Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell insists Premier League survival has to be the club's top priority despite their ninth-place finish last term.

The Blues performed admirably on their return to the top-flight following their promotion from the Championship at the end of the 2008/09 season and they have recently bolstered their squad by adding Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster and Valencia striker Nikola Zigic.

Manager Alex McLeish was allowed to spend £6million on each player, but Ridgewell, who signed a new three-year deal at St Andrew's this week, is still looking on the cautious side.

Speaking to reporters, he said:"I was pleased to sign on the dotted line and get the contract done and dusted.

"The ninth-placed finish came into play (when extending his contract) and I want to be at a successful club and this club is driving on.

"But survival will be the main thing next season. After doing so well last season people will be wondering how we are going to do - but our aim is to stay in this league and hopefully push on from that ninth place.

"There have been some good signings. Ben is a world class keeper and coming from Manchester United he is a good acquisition for us.

"Filling in Joe's (Hart) boots will be hard for anyone in the world. Ben will come in well and get into the running of things. I think he will be brilliant for us.

"The big man coming in up front (Zigic) gives us something different in that department."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email