The 23-year-old flew into Birmingham today to complete the switch. He is a former under-21 skipper of his country and made his senior debut against Japan in April although he was unable to secure a place in Czechs’ Euro 2004 squad.

The player said: “This is the biggest opportunity of my football career and it has always been my dream to play in England.

“When I was young I always wanted to play in the Premiership and I hope I can play there next season and then for years to come.”

Drobny is also hoping that playing in England can help him become an established international.

He said: “I played in the last match before Euro 2004 but did not go to Portugal.

“I am very proud to play for my country. I hope I can do it again and hopefully playing in England can help me achieve that.”

The signing of Drobny will give O’Leary much-needed extra defensive cover following the departure of Dion Dublin and Ronny Johnsen while Liam Ridgewell is currently sidelined through injury.

Drobny will be challenging skipper Olof Mellberg and £3m (€4.5m) summer capture Martin Laursen for a place in the starting line-up.