De La Cruz wins short-term deal

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has handed Ecuadorean defender Ulises de la Cruz a one-month contract after a successful trial at the club.

The 35-year-old, who has appeared 98 times for his country, joins the Blues on a deal until April 2 having trained with the club for several weeks.

Subject to paperwork De la Cruz, who can play as a full-back on either side of defence or in midfield, will be available for Wednesday night's home clash with Bristol City.

De la Cruz began his career in England with Hibernian in 2001 and the following season joined Aston Villa, where he spent four years, before making the switch to Reading in 2006.

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