The centre-half is Ecuador's second most capped player having made more than 80 appearances and featured in two World Cups.

Espinoza has previously played for Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem along with Ecuador outfits Aucas and LDU Quito, Mexican club Monterrey and Brazilian side Cruzeiro.

The 32-year-old signs a two-year contract and is aiming to help newly-promoted Blues survive their first season back in the Barclays Premier League.

national team

"I'm very much looking forward to playing for this club," he told the official Birmingham City website.

"It's a new step in my football career and I hope I can help the team. I think I can bring experience to the defence as I've played a lot of games at club level and for the national team.

"My objective is the same as the team, to first of all help the club remain in the Premier League. Personally I hope to establish myself in the team, give 100 per cent in every game and play as much as possible."

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