Birmingham City striker Mikael Forssell has jumped to the defence of Fulham flop Jari Litmanen.

Forssell told the Sunday Mercury: "It wasn't a surprise to me that Jari went to Fulham and I think it's a great thing for Fulham and I don't think they have anything to lose. Obviously people talk about Jari's fitness but he's showed that at 37 he can still play at the top.

"He's definitely good enough for the Premier League, he's a great player and he's got a great touch, great vision and he doesn't need a great amount of physical fitness to succeed.

"He's not the type of player to be chasing around, he comes alive when he gets the ball and feeds strikers. He's probably the best player I've enjoyed playing alongside throughout my career.

"We've scored some great goals in the national team together when he's played behind me. We're good friends and I wish him all the best."