Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce had no doubts about handing new signing Liam Ridgewell the captain's armband at Chelsea.

"He's vocal, he's got a presence about him, which I like, and I have no problems with where he's come from," said the Blues boss. "I have been delighted with the way he's responded to all that.

"Liam's a leader of men, I believe, and I had no hesitation in giving him the armband. He's whole-hearted, competitive and I thought he gave an excellent performance on his debut."

Ridgewell became one of Birmingham's youngest ever captains and the former Aston Villa defender told the Birmingham Mail: "It's one of the greatest achievements in my career.

"It's a real honour. I thank the gaffer for that. Hopefully I can continue as captain for a few more games before a few of the others come back in.

"It was fantastic to do it. I only found out before the game when we were on the pitch. The gaffer came up to me and asked would I have any problems doing it? I said none at all. It's what I'm made for, it's what I want to do. I want to captain sides and have a responsibility on me."