Bruce keeps fingers crossed for Forssell

BIRMINGHAM manager Steve Bruce is expecting “a queue of clubs a mile long” to bid for the services of striker Mikael Forssell if Chelsea allow him to go back out on loan next season.

Bruce pulled off a coup in bringing Forssell to St Andrews for last season as he scored 19 goals, including 17 in the Premiership. The Finnish international agreed to a second season with Birmingham with Bruce eagerly wanting to pair him with Emile Heskey.

Then Forssell broke down with a knee ligament injury in early September after the duo had played together four times. He is stepping up his rehabilitation work back at Chelsea with Bruce carefully monitoring his progress.