Bruce vexed as rest un-assured for Irish

BIRMINGHAM manager Steve Bruce has questioned the wisdom of the Republic Of Ireland playing four internationals in 10 days at the end of the season.

Bruce has a vested interest, with Irish skipper Kenny Cunningham and striker Clinton Morrison part of the squad.

Romania are the visitors to Lansdowne Road next Thursday before Brian Kerr’s side take on Nigeria (May 29) and Jamaica (June 2) in a tournament in London.

The final international will be against Holland in Amsterdam on June 5.

Bruce believes Cunningham and Morrison would benefit more from resting after a gruelling campaign.

“I don’t think at that stage of the season you are going to get much out of playing a tournament like that.

“I can’t see the point of international friendlies at that time unless you are building up for a European Championship or a World Cup.

“The players deserve a break. They need a rest and I hope they are pretty sensible with them.”

Bruce has supplemented his strike force with the capture of Emile Heskey from Liverpool but the manager was quick to talk up the contribution Morrison has to play in his plans.

Morrison linked up effectively with 19-goal Mikael Forssell in the second half of the campaign following the departure of Christophe Dugarry.

Bruce said: “I think Clinton had a really good end to the season.

“After Christophe went, he got himself established in the team.

“His overall work-rate and attitude have been first class. He has won over a lot of supporters because of that.

“He realises what is required now to play in the Premier League and he has done okay.”