BIRMINGHAM, England - Birmingham on Monday completed the signing of Jermaine Pennant from Arsenal for three million pounds (5.7 million dollars), a bargain buy according to manager Steve Bruce.
The 22-year-old, who recently served a prison sentence for drink-driving offences, agreed a three-year contract and the club have an option to retain the winger for an extra year.
Pennant has been on loan at St Andrews since January after finding his first-team opportunities limited at Highbury.
Birmingham stuck by the England Under-21 international during his recent troubles and the player said last week he was indebted to Bruce for giving him a second chance.
And Bruce was thrilled to have secured Pennant's services on a permanent footing.
"We're all aware of the ability he's got, he can go past people, has an excellent delivery. Where do you find somebody so young and British with that sort of calibre?
"Shaun Wright-Phillips springs to mind but he would be 20million, under that there aren't that many.
"It's not often you sign a player of his calibre, young and British. We're delighted he sees his future with us."
On Pennant's recent spell in prison Bruce added: "We've all done things stupid when we were younger, the one thing you have to do is learn from it. Jermaine has served his punishment, the time has come to talk about him as a footballer."
Pennant has been impressive since his loan move from Highbury, where he found first-team opportunities limited.
After loan moves to Watford and Leeds he attracted the interest of Bruce, who then supported him through his time in prison.
"The way he's acquitted himself since is fair play to him, he's got on with it and taken his punishment, he knows he's done wrong. All he wants to do is get on with his life and play football," Bruce said.
"Since he's come out his performances on the training ground and on the pitch have been excellent. He wants to play and he's happy in that environment."
Pennant has set himself the target of breaking into the England team, which he was tipped for when he joined Arsenal for two million as a 15-year-old in 1999.
"If I'm playing well then that's my aim,'' Pennant told Sky Sports News.
"Week-in week-out you play in the Premiership and if you're playing well that's where you end up, playing for the national team."
Pennant was convicted of drink driving offences last season and received his three-month prison sentence when he offended again, in January.
Although Bruce has been criticised for showing faith in Pennant, the player is grateful for the backing of his boss and Blues fans.
"The support I've got from our fans has been magnificent. Since I came to the club, went inside and came out, they've stuck by me 100 percent and I have to say thank you to them."

04/25/2005 14:28 GMT