Bruce backs John to find form
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has given his backing to striker Stern John even though he has yet to score in open play for the Barclaycard Premiership newcomers this season.
John’s only goal to date came from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park and he again drew a blank in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.
But Bruce has been delighted with his general contribution in the opening weeks of the season and believes he is now starting to form an effective partnership with club-record signing Clinton Morrison.
Bruce said: “Stern has done remarkably well. He can play at this level, make no mistake, he has ability.
“It would be nice for him if he could get a goal in open play but I’m not too bothered about that just yet.
“I don’t want to burden him with that if he keeps playing and working for the team the way he is and keeps creating chances for us.
“The partnership with Clinton is only in the early stages but it is looking like I thought it would.
“Stern is very good with his back to play. He wants to come and link the play up whereas Clinton wants to go on behind people and it looks a good combination.”
Meanwhile, Bruce is optimistic that Ivory Coast defender Olivier Tebily will be back in contention in around a fortnight after suffering a hamstring injury.
Tebily has been sidelined since suffering the problem in the draw with Everton three weeks ago and replaced by stand-in skipper Jeff Kenna who has been in excellent form.
