http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1221252,00.html MCLEISH ON ZARATE SIGNING Blues boss Alex McLeish is hoping that new loan signing Mauro Zarate can provide the creative spark to help haul his side away from relegation danger. McLeish admitted his excitement at the arrival of the striker from Qatari side Al-Sadd, who splashed out a massive eight-figure sum to sign the Argentinean U20 international last summer. "We're excited about bringing the player in on loan," said the Blues chief. "He's one of the Argentinean young guns that were successful in the U20's championship last year. "I've heard really good things about him. It's a kind of bonus type signing and one that we hope can turn games." McLeish is delighted to have added competition in the forward area, with Zarate's arrival following hot on the heels of the ￡5m signing of James McFadden from Everton last week. Since his arrival in early December, the Blues manager has been stressing to his players the importance of feeling confident when in possession of the ball. McLeish believes that his latest recruit already comes with that natural ability. "He's one of those guys that's comfortable with a ball and caressing a ball, like a lot of South Americans who seem to have those traits. "I don't want to compare him to the Argentinean greats but he's of that mould. He has great balance and mobility. "He can play anywhere along the front four. It's another bit of competition up there, but more importantly, it's somebody that we think can create something out of nothing." Zarate has joined on a temporary deal until the end of the season and McLeish is hoping to see the striker don a Blues shirt for the first time in this evening's reserve game against Arsenal, if international clearance is received in time. http://www.blues.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10412~1221417,00.html ZARATE CLEARED TO PLAY FOR RESERVES Blues have this afternoon received international clearance for new loan signing Mauro Zarate and the Argentinean striker will therefore be able to play in tonight's reserve game. Zarate will line up for the Blues' second string in their league game against Arsenal at St. Andrew's, kick-off 7pm. Admission to the game costs ￡4 (adults) and ￡2 (concessions), although season ticket holders and junior supporters club members can gain free entry. http://kuso.cc/3ajL BLUES RESERVES 2 ARSENAL RESERVES 1 Daniel de Ridder scored the winner for Blues Reserves as they overcame an impressive young Arsenal outfit at St. Andrew's this evening. New loan signing Mauro Zarate played the full 90 minutes and showed up well, particular in the first half with some neat touches of skill, but he faded after the interval. An entertaining first half ended goalless but just five minutes after the break Mikael Forssell put Blues in front. James Dunne levelled for Arsenal with a stunning long range effort just four minutes later. But De Ridder won it for Blues with 16 minutes remaining. Arsenal were the brighter side in the opening stages and Doyle did well to push aside a shot from Sanchez Watt. But the Blues keeper almost handed the visitors the lead after his hashed clearance fell at the feet of Rui Fonte but the Arsenal striker failed to take advantage of the gift. Midway through the half David Howland missed a golden opportunity when he rose unmarked to meet De Ridder's cross but he somehow managed to send his header over the bar from close range when it looked easier to score. Zarate's first chance came just after the half-hour mark from another De Ridder cross but his attempted header came off his shoulder and flew over the bar into the Railway End. De Ridder was in the thick of the action again when he linked up well with Forssell but the Dutchman's eventual shot was saved by Vito Mannone. But the Arsenal keeper almost presented Blues with the opening goal when he mishandled Zarate's tame shot and the ball rolled out of his hands and struck the post. Forssell's opener came courtesy of some good fortune when the ball rebounded to him in the area after Gary McSheffrey's pass had been cut out and the Finn made no mistake in his typical predatory style. After Hoyte's equaliser, Howland struck the post with a long range effort of his own. Zarate failed to get any power behind his shot when well placed on the right of the box and De Ridder blasted over from a similar opportunity. The Dutch winger missed an even better chance when put through by Forssell and then his cross set up Jordon Mutch just five yards out in front of goal but the ball rolled through the youngster's legs and away from danger. De Ridder made amends for his earlier misses on 76 minutes when he cut in from the right and fired a low left-footed shot past Mannone. Arsenal finished the game with ten man when Gavin Hoyte was sent off after kicking out at De Ridder. Blues: Colin Doyle, Stuart Parnaby, Shaun Timmins (Jared Wilson 70), Martin Taylor, Krystian Pearce, Jordon Mutch, Daniel De Ridder, David Howland (Ashley Sammons 90), Mikael Forssell, Mauro Zarate, Gary McSheffrey. Subs not used: Dean Lyness, Stefan Milojevic, Jamie Sheldon. -- 拼完保級拼轉會 --

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