Benitez vows to repay Birmingham's faith

Ecuador striker Benitez has become Blues' sixth summer signing - with West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer expected to complete his permanent transfer in the next 24 hours.

The 23-year-old told City's official website: "I'm very happy to be here. I know Birmingham City is a good club and since I have been in this country I have been really well received by the people at the club. I'm expecting a good season and I will try to do my best for the team and repay the confidence the club has shown in me."

He is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and has to secure a permanent visa but is relishing making an impact at St Andrew's.

He added: "I know this is a good challenge for both me and the club and I'm really happy to be a part of it. I think this is the right time for Christian Benitez to play in the Premier League and I want to show the fans why Birmingham wanted to sign me.

"You never know when the right time is to come to the Premier League, but I take every challenge as it comes and I think I can show the Birmingham fans that I'm prepared to do a good job.

"I hope I can play my part in bringing back good times to the fans. I will try my best to help create and score as many goals as I can and sharing those moments is a special feeling."

Benitez will link up at City with his international team-mate, defender Giovanny Espinoza.

He said: "Giovanny is a great player who I have known from Ecuador for a long time. I'm very happy he's here at Birmingham too as it's always nice to have a player you know at a new club. I wish him all the best too and I'm confident that both of us can be a success."

Bowyer will join on a free transfer after impressing when on loan from the Hammers at Birmingham during the second half of last season.