Giovanny Espinoza is delighted to being joining Ecuador teammate Christian Benitez at Birmingham City.

The defender said: "I am very big friends with him from the national team, we spend a lot of time together away from football, on holidays, and I will try and use my experience to help him get used to life here. But I am absolutely sure he will adapt and be a great success in the Premier League."

Blues have been revamping the defence since Championship promotion. Espinoza said he welcomed competition.

"My objective is the same as the team's: to first of all to help them remain in the Premier League," he told the club's Blues World TV.

"Personally, I hope to establish myself in the team, give 100 per cent every game, and play as much as possible."