Forssell wants Birmingham return

Mikael Forssell has set his sights on playing for Birmingham again this season - despite being told he will miss the rest of the campaign.

The Finland striker is on a year-long loan from Chelsea but needed an operation on a knee injury last month.

Blues boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring the 23-year-old to St Andrews on a permanent deal – but Forssell’s long-term future is uncertain while he is out injured.

There is a ‘get-out’ clause in Forssell’s current deal that could end his spell in the midlands – but he wants to stay with Birmingham.

“It’s my dream to be able to pull on a Birmingham shirt this season. That would make me really happy,” Forssell told the Birmingham Evening Mail.

“At the moment, I am still a Birmingham player so that means when I get fit, I would be able to play for them again.

“Of course, I know football is a business and it’s really down to what Birmingham and Chelsea end up deciding about my loan.

“I have been told that it is possible I could be back six months from the date of the operation but I will not take any risks, I have to make sure I’m 100% right and I won’t put any pressure on myself.”

Forssell has set himself a target of an April comeback despite being told he will not play until the start of next season.

And the striker has been given a confidence boost by the reports of Bruce being interested in offering a long-term deal. But even if he does return early from injury he may not stay with the Blues.

Forssell added: “Birmingham will always be in my heart. I have enjoyed my time with them so much.

“When I get fit and we sit down and look at things in the summer, they might be an option, I just don’t know at this moment.

“Probably, what has happened means that Chelsea have to make a final decision on me.

“I still have two years left with them after this season and they have to decide whether to keep me or sell me. I think we all need to know.

He admitted: “My injury came as a massive shock, but you have to try and accept that these things happen, it’s a hazard of the profession I’m in.

“I am getting expert treatment and the messages and cards of support I have had from Birmingham, Chelsea and their fans have helped me.”