Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has assured Giovanny Espinoza that he's in his plans.

The Ecuador international centre-half was one of the 11 signings that arrived at St Andrew's during the summer, when he signed in a £385,000 two-year deal from Barcelona Sporting Club in his homeland.

"I told Giovanny it might be tough for him to get a starting position, given the number of centre-halves at the club, if everybody is fit because the others know the British game and I know them more than I know Giovanny," explained McLeish to the Sunday Mercury.

"He's got a good international record. He's a smashing bloke, a lovely guy, and I've got a lot of time for him."