Cunningham finalises Birmingham move

Premiership attraction
The move came very much out of the blue as far as the 31-year-old was concerned. Cunningham told Birmingham's official website: "After the World Cup I was looking forward to starting the season with Wimbledon but things happen very quickly in football. There were a number of reasons for my move but the main one was the attraction of [FA] Premiership football. It was an opportunity too good to turn down."

Huge challenge
Birmingham won promotion to the top flight last May, beating Norwich City FC in the first division play-off final, and Cunningham said survival would be the main aim for this season. "It's going to be a huge challenge for us to stay in the Premiership. Our realistic aim is to consolidate our position."

Irish international
The Dublin-born Cunningham was a member of the Ireland squad that reached the second round of the FIFA World Cup last month before losing to Spain in a penalty shoot-out. He joined first division Wimbledon from fellow London club Millwall FC for around €1m in 1994.