And in order to strengthen his hand, McLeish carried a
testimonial from Manchester United chief Fergie — his old Aberdeen
manager — stating Hleb would be a major asset to the Premier League
side.
That helped persuade officials to decide that Hleb, 29, deserved
his permit. He joins on loan from Barcelona with a view to a
permanent three-year deal at the end of the season. Hleb is Blues'
seventh summer signing and the third on deadline day.
They also completed deals for Czech defender Martin Jiranek from
Spartak Moscow and Chile international Jean Beausejour.
Belarus international Hleb, who made 89 appearances for the
Gunners before moving to Barca two years ago, has struggled for
first-team football in Spain.
He admitted last night he hopes his move to Birmingham will
rescue a career that went badly wrong the moment he left the
Emirates for the Nou Camp.
Hleb said: "I had several options to chose from — Liverpool,
Tottenham, Benfica. That is why my final decision came so late
because I had to think all the options over.
Birmingham looked like a club who wanted me more than the others
— that's why I preferred them.
"It was also important that I know the English Premier League
very well. "But Birmingham is a perfect option for me now when most
of all I need to play.
"I realise it is not quite the same as Arsenal, playing in the
Champions League, but first of all I need to get back to my old
form.
"To be honest, I got a lot of things wrong in the last 18 months
so Birmingham is a new chance for me."
Winger Beausejour, 26, has penned a three-year contract with
Brum after moving for an undisclosed fee from Club America in
Mexico.
McLeish said: "He is an excellent left-sided midfielder who had
a tremendous World Cup with Chile - he was their star player
against Spain.
"He has been on our list of targets for a long time because he
is strong and quick with the ability to beat his man and get
crosses in."