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.
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