'Too good' - £1.3m Birmingham City transfer signing reveals why he has joined after Brighton and Hearts spells

Alex Cochrane said joining Birmingham City was 'too good an opportunity' to down after his £1.3m move from Hearts went through.

News emerged over the weekend that a bid from Blues had been accepted by the Scottish Premiership side, and over the last few days, Cochrane held talks and underwent a medical. His move was confirmed on Tuesday (July 16) and he has signed a four-year contract.

Cochrane's move is subject to EFL, FA and international clearance but should it go through in time, he could make his debut against Solihull Moors tomorrow (July 17). The 24-year-old spoke of the ambition Birmingham have shown so far, and admitted he cannot wait to get going with his new club.

"It came about quite quickly, but I felt like it was too good an opportunity to pass on," said Cochrane to the official club website.

"The ambition of the Club is really exciting, especially for a young player like me who wants to go as far as I can in football.

"I am delighted to be here, and I just cannot wait to get going."

The left-back makes a return to English football having begun with his hometown team Brighton & Hove Albion. He was at the Seagulls for three years, and had loans at East Grinstead Town, Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and later Hearts before joining on a permanent basis.

Cochrane made two appearances for the Seagulls first-team, appearing in the Carabao Cup. He was also an unused substitute for one Premier League match.

Hearts is where Cochrane has made the majority of his 230 games in professional football. Last term, he registered four assists in 31 league games in the Scottish Premiership.

Cochrane departs Hearts having made 126 appearances, where he set up 15 goals and also got on the score sheet five times himself. A highlight for the Edinburgh outfit included playing in the Europa League group stages.