BLACKBURN Rovers have agreed a fee with Birmingham for Northern Ireland international Damien Johnson.

The deal is now subject to a medical after Johnson agreed personal terms with the First Division club.

A spokesman for City said: "A fee has been agreed with Blackburn and the signing should be completed subject to a successful medical."

Johnson's contract with Blackburn was due to expire later this month and the 23-year-old was given permission to talk to other clubs including Nottingham Forest, but has chosen to join Steve Bruce at St Andrews.

Bruce is a regular visitor to Rovers, where his son Alex is a member of the Academy.

Johnson has made eight appearances for Rovers this year and can play in midfield or on the wing, but his appearances have been curtailed by the excellent form of fellow international Keith Gillespie.

His agent Phil Graham said: "Damien Johnson has agreed to join Birmingham City.

"It's a fresh start for the lad and he's had to look outside the Premiership for regular first-team football.

"He would not have joined Birmingham if he did not think they had a realistic chance of reaching the Premiership.

"They are in with a shot at the play-offs this season, but certainly he is looking to get into the Premiership the season after."