Kerr keen to keep Morrison upbeat

Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr has been forced into a heart-to-heart with Clinton Morrison following the striker’s shock demotion by Birmingham boss Steve Bruce.

After returning from a knee ligament injury sustained in the World Cup qualifying draw with France in Paris at the start of October, Morrison played a pivotal role in the Blues’ resurgence in the Barclays Premiership.

The 25-year-old scored in three successive matches as Birmingham won four times during December, forging a superb partnership with Emile Heskey.

But Morrison was then dropped for the FA Cup third round defeat at Chelsea at the start of January, and with the transfer-window arrivals of Robbie Blake and Walter Pandiani, now finds himself again in the role of fourth-choice forward.

Even Bruce concedes he has let Morrison down by wielding the axe, although has tempered that by claiming he wants to open negotiations on a new contract in the summer as he sees him as part of his future plans.

Morrison, though, is a confidence player and there is no doubt he will have been stung by Bruce’s decision to throw the new signings into the fray rather than keep faith with a player in form.

Ahead of tonight’s friendly against Portugal at Lansdowne Road, Kerr has had to sit down with Morrison in a bid to raise the player’s spirits.

“He has been playing very well,” enthused Kerr.

“I have been at a couple of the games and watched him in the best spell of form he has had since he went to Birmingham. But I said before I thought he was playing well in the type of game we wanted him to play in, then adding to his game by scoring against Cyprus and Switzerland.

“I am sure what has happened [at Birmingham] is upsetting for him, but if the manager is offering him a new contract and has stated publicly he still has a big future, then I am sure Clinton will be back in the team.

“It is just unfortunate for him that Birmingham signed Robbie Blake and Walter Pandiani during the transfer window. But I have spoken to him about it in terms of keeping his morale up. He has had a similar situation before at Birmingham and he has had to deal with it.

“Overall, the key thing is he has improved as an all-round striker, either as the main man or playing off Emile Heskey as he has done previously.”

Kerr confirmed Morrison will start against Portugal alongside Robbie Keane in attack, with Damien Duff and new Spurs star Andy Reid providing the ammunition from the wings.

With Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari sending out his strongest side, with both teams looking to make an impression before their next World Cup qualification matches at the end of next month, it is a match that should go beyond the customary friendly fair.

Kerr certainly feels Portugal will make an impression in Germany next year, providing they qualify, although they are on course as they top Group Three with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches.

“I see them as contenders for the World Cup,” confirmed Kerr.

“In the European Championships they did not have to qualify as hosts and it can be hard to get the preparation right. But with a huge level of expectancy, they did well and ended up getting to the final, so of course you see them as a contender.

“But there is a lot of games between now and when the World Cup starts, although I am sure all the usual contenders will be in place and will be talked about.

“Obviously Portugal still have to get out of their group, but they are a class team.”