Glenn Roeder last night turned to former Canary Steve Bruce to secure his first signing as Norwich City manager, bringing in Birmingham central defender Martin Taylor on a month's loan.

Glenn Roeder last night turned to former Canary Steve Bruce to secure his first signing as Norwich City manager, bringing in Birmingham central defender Martin Taylor on a month's loan.

Bruce signed Taylor for the Blues for £1.25m from Blackburn in 2004, but he is currently out of the first team picture at St Andrews. With Dion Dublin (back) and Gary Doherty (groin) on the sidelines, Taylor seems likely to take Ian Murray's place partnering Jason Shackell at the heart of City's backline for Sunday's derby game against Ipswich. His loan spell with the Canaries is due to expire after the game against Sheffield United on December 8.

Roeder said: “He is a player who I've followed throughout his career and he will be an outstanding member of the team while he is with us.

“Martin played an important role in Birmingham's promotion to the Premiership last season and he brings much needed height in both penalty boxes.”

Nicknamed Tiny because of his imposing frame, Taylor featured 38 times for Birmingham last season, but has made just appearance this term, in the Blues' Carling Cup defeat to Blackburn in September.

Taylor has actually featured on the scoresheet for the Canaries before, netting an own goal while playing for Birmingham against Norwich in the Blues' 2-1 Carling Cup win at St Andrews in October 2005.