I`ve lost count of the amount of times Birmingham City have had a loan player with bags of ability for the player only to show glimpses of it. Nicky Butt perhaps? Alexander Hleb even? But the player I am focusing on today is Jiri Jarosik.
The Czech international joined Blues on loan from Chelsea in August 2005. He played for Blues on 24 occasions and although he wasn`t bad, the ability that had been seen previously wasn`t so obvious.
Suited to the number ten role in Alex McLeish`s side, Jarosik contributed with eight league goals, finishing the season as joint top goal scorer. However, Blues were relegated and decided not to make his move a permanent one.
Jarosik moved on to Celtic where he played 33 times in 18 months before signing for Russian side Krylia Sovetov.
Jarosik was known for his long range shooting but was often criticised for his work-rate. Having been capped 23 times for Czech Republic, he was a big name at St. Andrew`s.
During a professional career that has spanned 19 years, Jarosik has represented nine different clubs including Sparta Prague, CSKA Moscow and Zaragoza and is now plying his trade at Spanish outfit Deportivo Alaves.
Jiri Jarosik by numbers:
Age: 38
Appearances for Blues: 24
Goals for Blues: 8
Total career appearances: 491
Total career goals: 65
Twitter @robwildey123
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