Pennant: Why I'm finished at Arsenal

"Matthew Upson left Arsenal to come here and he's gone forward and got into the England team," added Pennant.

"Hopefully that can happen to me. I can progress, become a better player and get into that international scene.

"I've been capped by the under-21s and playing for your country, the full side, is what everyone dreams about."

Birmingham are close to agreeing personal terms with Pennant whose move from Arsenal is close to being finalised.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told the midfielder his future l ies elsewhere. Pennant knows he could wait for his Gunners contract to expire in the summer and see if other materialise but he is aware how much the support of the St Andrew's club and their fans have helped him.

"I always wanted a chance to try and fulfil my potential at Arsenal but I hit a brick wall, I wasn't able to make a real impression," he said.

"I've got a chance here, a new lease of life, under Steve Bruce. He's shown a lot of faith in me - as have the fans and my teammates - and hopefully I can repay that and kick on." The former Notts County player believes his spell in prison has helped him focus on sorting out his future.

He said: "I believe I have got the ability to reach the top. What I have to do is keep on the straight and narrow, work hard and produce the goods for Birmingham."

Bruce continued to show faith in Pennant's abilities by naming him in the starting XI for his first match back on his return from a month in Prison for the match against Tottenham.

Pennant added; "It was just great to be back out there on the pitch again. I'm sure the more I play and train the better I'll be."