Vaesen goes back to Belgium

Former Birmingham keeper Nico Vaesen has returned home to join Lierse.

The 36-year-old has spent the last eight years playing in English football but after Blues' relegation to The Championship, he found himself released by Steve Bruce.

As a result. Vaesen has now chosen to return to his homeland, where he will look to impress after penning a two-year deal.

"I want to still show something to Belgium," Vaesen told Gazet van Antwerpen.

"I stood on a cross-roads of my career.

"I thought about a return to Belgium already but Birmingham's relegation accelerated that decision.

"As a result, I was suddenly free and chose to go to Belgium.

"My work in Belgium is not finished, which motivates me enormously.

"There were more clubs that showed interest, but Lierse were the most concrete."

Vaesen had been linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday, but will now perform in his homeland for the first time since leaving Eendracht Aalst to join Huddersfield in May 1998.

Meanwhile, three Birmingham youngsters have signed one-year contracts with the club.

Goalkeeper Adam Legzdins and defenders Jamie Price and James Blake have committed themselves to the Second City club.