Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson is relishing fresh competition in the side after the arrival of Michel.
Michel expected to challenge veteran midfield duo
Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson is relishing fresh competition in the side after the arrival of Michel.
Spaniard Michel finally completed a £3million switch from Sporting Gijon this week and 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.
Boss Alex McLeish has vowed to give Michel, 24, time to settle in at the club before unleashing him on the top flight, but Ferguson insists increased competition will keep fellow midfielders on their toes.
Healthy
"People say there will be competition for places with Michel coming here but that doesn't bother me," said the 31-year-old.
"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."
Success
Birmingham's success this season has largely been down to the form of midfield duo Ferguson and Bowyer, who have both rejuvenated their careers with a fine understanding at the heart of midfield.
After developing a goalscoring touch in his latter days with Rangers, Ferguson has reverted to his original roots as a holding midfielder, allowing Bowyer the freedom to attack, which suits the Scot just fine.
"The gaffer has brought me in and wanted me to play a position I played when I was 18 and first broke into the Rangers team," said Ferguson.
"I'll play anywhere. As long as he is happy with my performances, I am happy. I am not getting any younger. He is playing me in the holding midfield role which I really enjoy.
"'Bow' is making the forward runs so I'm happy to sit in front of the back two. The best season I had goal-wise was 20. I don't think that will happen now."
