Bruce puts Vittek move on hold

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has cooled his interest in signing Slovan Bratislava striker Robert Vittek – at least for the time being.

Vittek, who played for Slovakia in the October Euro 2004 qualifier with England, has spent two spells training with Blues since Christmas.

But Bruce will not be attempting to make Vittek his seventh signing since the transfer window re-opened on January 1.

He said: “It won’t be happening. It was one we looked at and maybe we will have a look again in the future.

“He is only a young boy and was always one for the future. It’s one of those where we will monitor things over the next few months and we might review the situation in the summer again.”

Bruce confirmed that his winter spending spree was over after the £3m (€4.5m) capture of Arsenal central defender Matthew Upson on Wednesday.

He has also brought in Christophe Dugarry, Ferdinand Coly, Jamie Clapham, Stephen Clemence and Piotr Swierczewski in the past three weeks.

Bruce said: “That’s it as far as signings goes. The message now to the agents is ‘for god’s sake, please leave me alone!’ I’m done and dusted and just want to get on with working with the players now.”

Coly has picked up an infection as a result of cutting his foot in training but Bruce is optimistic that his injury nightmare – which saw nine players sidelined at one stage – is disappearing.

He said: “We don’t play again until Saturday week against Bolton and by then Olivier Tebily may be the only one on the injury list.”