Blues on verge of Morrison deal

Birmingham were hoping to tie up the £4.25m (€6.8m) signing of Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison today.

The striker underwent a medical at St Andrews yesterday at the same time as Andrew Johnson was finalising the loose ends of his move in the opposite direction from St Andrews to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who initially blocked manager Steve Bruce’s switch from the Eagles to the Blues last season before employing Bruce’s St Andrews predecessor Trevor Francis, was also not keen on losing Morrison.

Jordan told the club website, www,cpfc.co.uk: ‘‘It was never our desire to see Clinton Morrison leave the club, but the player wanted to move on so we had to respect his wishes and we now wish him all the best at his new club.’’

Bruce was excited about linking up with Morrison once more.

‘‘Having worked with Clinton at Palace I believe he is a player of great talent who can get even better,’’ Bruce told the Birmingham Post.

‘‘People say he has not played in the Premiership but that is not an issue to me.

‘‘I am certain he will score goals for us at the top level,’’ added Bruce.

The Birmingham manager has already signed Senegal captain Aliou Cisse, Wales midfielder Robbie Savage and Morrison’s Republic of Ireland team-mate Kenny Cunningham but has not ruled out another newcomer at St Andrews.

Bruce has been linked with a move for American star Jovan Kirovski, who could join on a free transfer from Palace.