Bruce admits Kenna conundrum
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has admitted his decision to axe captain Jeff Kenna was one of the hardest of his career.
Kenna, rescued by Bruce from Blackburn’s reserves two seasons ago, was a model of consistency in helping City establish themselves in the Premiership and continued playing despite an Achilles problem.
He also began the current campaign at right-back but has been dropped for the last four games with Damien Johnson filling his position in a switch from midfield.
Bruce believes the extra pace of Johnson will allow him to provide better cover for David Dunn who has been given a free role ahead of him.
Bruce told the Press Association: “To leave out your captain, who had done really well for you and missed only one game last season, was tough.
“We just the thought the make-up of the team, in trying to accommodate David Dunn on the right hand side in a free role, meant we needed Johnno’s extra legs behind him at right-back.
“But it was still a very difficult decision for me to leave out Jeff Kenna - a horrible decision to make.”
Meanwhile Bruce is adamant Christophe Dugarry is not far off regaining his best form after returning to action a fortnight ago after a cartilage operation.
Dugarry was the catalyst of Birmingham’s revival in the second half of last season which guaranteed their top-flight status.
He had surgery in August and there were signs against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday that he is regaining his sharpness, despite City’s 3-0 defeat.
Bruce said: “When you’ve had a cartilage operation it takes time to get back to your full sharpness but I was really pleased with Christophe at Old Trafford.
“He had a positive impact for us and looked to me as if he was back to near enough his best.”
