Morrison 'not going anywhere': Bruce

Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce has ruled out the possibility of Clinton Morrison's going out on loan, a possibility expressed by the Republic of Ireland player while on World Cup duty in mid-week.

Morrison impressed alongside Christophe Dugarry last season but has made way in the starting line-up to Heskey after his £6.25m (€9.1m) move.

Bruce said: “Clinton is not going on loan to anyone. He is a valuable part of my team and a valuable part of the squad.”

Meanwhile, Birmingham have agreed a fee – believed to be around £250,000 (€366,000) – with both Coventry City and Nottingham Forest for striker Stern John.

John, whose goals helped Blues clinch their Premiership place two-and-a-half years ago, is expected to make a decision about his future over the weekend.

The Trinidad and Tobago international has become fifth-choice striker following the arrival of Dwight Yorke and is also behind Emile Heskey, Mikael Forssell and Clinton Morrison in the pecking order.

Bruce said: “We have agreed a fee with Coventry and Notts Forest and have now left it up to the lad. Over the weekend, I’m sure he’ll make his decision.

“Stern has done a fantastic job for this club and he got us into the Premiership with eight goals in 15 games when he arrived here for £100,000 (€146,000) from Notts Forest.

“He got the winner at Millwall in the play-off semi-final and also set up Geoff Horsfield for a goal in the final.

“It’s a big wrench that he is leaving but with the addition of Dwight as the fifth striker he is going to be limited.”