Birmingham have signed Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Kelly from Tottenham for an initial £750,000 rising to a possible £1.25million.

The 22-year-old passed a medical at St Andrews yesterday and has agreed a three-year deal as Blues look to make an immediate return to the top flight after last season's relegation from the Premiership.

The Coca-Cola Championship club had been linked with the Irishman since the turn of the year and Kelly had admitted he may have to leave White Hart Lane in order to get regular first-team football.

Kelly, who made his Ireland debut last month, had only recently signed a new one-year contract at White Hart Lane but had endured a frustrating Premiership season as his opportunities were limited by the form of Canadian Paul Stalteri.

Kelly made just 10 appearances for the north London club last season after coach Martin Jol's preference for Stalteri restricted him to a bit part as Spurs just failed to claim a Champions League spot.

Blues targeted Kelly as a replacement for Mario Melchiot who left the midlands at the end of last season following relegation.

He told the club's official website, www.bcfc.com: "I've got pace and I try to overlap as much as I can without neglecting my defensive duties. But getting forward and joining in the attack is a big part of my game and I like to be able to do that.

"With Jermaine Pennant playing in front of me, he is a quick lad and he is going to skin people as well. So I am looking forward to lining up with him and I know there are a lot of other skilful players on the team."

The Dubliner admitted he was enticed by the possibility of regular first-team football as he looks to establish himself in the Republic of Ireland side after making his debut earlier in the summer.

"I was at Tottenham from the age of 16 and played over 40 games but things didn't work out the way I wanted," continued Kelly. "It was time for me to move on and this is a great opportunity for me to come and play and do well.

"It is tough to leave a club when you have been there for so long and all your mates are there. But you have to do what is best for you. Everybody knows this club wants to be back in the Premiership and hopefully I can help them achieve that aim."

Kelly will join fellow new arrivals Cameron Jerome and Neil Danns as they look to make an immediate return to the top flight.