Morrison sets target for Ireland call-up

Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison has set himself a 10-goal target in the hope of earning a place in the Republic of Ireland’s starting line-up for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

Morrison has claimed a regular place in the Blues side in the past month and formed an impressive partnership with on-loan Chelsea forward Mikael Forssell.

The former Crystal Palace player, who moved to St Andrews in a then club record £4.5m (€6.5m) deal 18 months ago, has chipped in with a couple of important goals against Leicester and Blackburn.

Now he is confident he can reach double figures by the end of the campaign to bolster his chances of playing a leading role in Ireland manager Brian Kerr’s plans.

Morrison said: “The Irish manager has phoned me to see how I was and to tell me to keep working hard and stay in the team.

“He’s looking to play me in the international with Brazil next month and, with the World Cup qualifiers starting soon, it’s important to me that I make a good impression in the next few friendlies for my country.

“People will be trying to impress ahead of the qualifiers but I also know how important it is to do the business for Birmingham City.

“I would like to keep my place in the side and hopefully hit double figures in terms of goals by the end of the season. I’ve come into the side late this season but I see that as a viable target.

“I know I can score goals at this level and the next step is to produce it on a more consistent basis. If you do well at club level, it can only help your international prospects.

“The good thing is that for the first time since I’ve come to Birmingham this is the first time I’ve really been happy about everything on and off the pitch.”