The Argentinian joined Alex McLeish's club for the remainder of the season from Qatar outfit Al-Sadd in January and has yet to start a match, but he is eager to stay.

"I really don't know what I was thinking when I accepted to be transferred to Qatar," said Zarate.

"I am very pleased to be at Birmingham because although the team is trying to avoid the relegation zone and that is not a happy situation, at least I am fighting for an objective.

"I am getting adapted to English football. I am waiting for the coach Alex McLeish to give me a chance to play a match from the first minute.

"He wants to include me slowly but the situation is difficult because the team is playing well.

much rougher

"For the moment I have been given a few minutes so I try to take advantage of them all I can. When I get the chance to play from the first minute I hope to score several goals."

Zarate says he is enjoying life in England and has no wish to leave.

"I am much more comfortable in England than in Qatar," he continued.

"Besides that, English football is much rougher, I like this very much. Football is played here and all the grounds are great. I hope I can stay for a long time in England.

"My idea is not to return to Qatar. I want to play in a good league and this is one of the best. I hope that Birmingham extends my loan or buys my transfer. I am fine at Birmingham, the city is very nice."