Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson sees the arrival Spaniard Michel as a challenge. The £3million signing is expected to challenge veterans Ferguson and Lee Bowyer for the central midfield positions.
The Blues have been in fine form since their return to the Premier League, with a run of 14 games unbeaten leaving them in eighth place.
"People say there will be competition for places with Michel coming here but that doesn't bother me," said Ferguson.
"Competition is a healthy thing. The gaffer (McLeish) has got some money to spend so it can only be a good thing for us that we are bringing in quality players - and Michel is definitely a quality player.
"Alex McLeish is a quality manager and I am sure he'll not go and spend the money on anyone. He's been after Michel for a long while and I'm sure he'll spend the money wisely.
"There are a lot of rumours about who is coming in during January but they will need to be better than the ones who are playing just now because the guys are doing really well."