Steve Bruce has spelt out his desire to sign leading scorer Jiri Jarosik on a permanent basis if Birmingham can maintain their Barclays Premiership status.

Bruce revealed that Blues have "first refusal" in terms of retaining the services of on-loan Chelsea midfielder Jarosik should they win their battle to stay in the top-flight.

Jarosik took time to adjust the demands of playing week-in and week-out in the Premiership but has now added the work ethic to his undoubted ability and has also weighed in with eight goals.

"There is an option in there to have first refusal on Jiri in terms of making the deal with Chelsea permanent," Bruce said of Jarosik. "We have got to stay in the Premiership. If we stay in the Premiership, we would like that that to happen.

"His goal record from midfield, and with a team that has been in the bottom three most of the season, is superb. It is up there with any midfield player in the country."

Bruce admitted: "Yes, there are times when you could get hold of him and strangle him! - but there are other times when Jiri has showed what he is capable of.

"Last week against Bolton, Jiri gave an unbelievable performance in the centre of midfield. He tackled, headed, passed it and we all know he can score a goal.

"He can get forward from that area, he can score a goal and he can create which is a big plus. He is such a talented footballer but also very versatile.

"I think he has played centre-back in the Czech Republic. He has played defensive midfield, he has played on the left, on the right, as a striker. He is just a naturally good footballer. He is two-footed."

Bruce added: "The big factor is Jiri has become more accustomed to the English game. It has taken him a while. Any foreign player coming over here can struggle to adapt, even great players.

"The longer you are here, the more accustomed you become to playing it. That might be the case with Jiri. He has been here the best part of 18 months now since signing for Chelsea."