Plenty To Choose From

Last updated : 06 February 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

The Blues boss is really spoilt for choice in every department apart from possibly the midfield where David Dunn (hamstring) and Stephen Clemence (calf) are injury victims and Aliou Cisse is away on international duty with Senegal.

In defence Bruce will have to decide whether or not to continue with the back four of Tebily, KK, Purse & Kenna that has served him so well during Jamie Clapham and Matty Upsons absence, both of whom are available for selection again after long term injuries having played for the Reserves in their defeat to Blackburn this week. New signing Martin Taylor adds to Bruce's selection poser here also.

Up front, the Prodigal Son that is Christophe Dugarry is also available to the Blues boss for the first time in two months having seemingly overcome the knee problems that have plagued him all season. Bruce has said he would have included Dugs in last weekends squad had he not been suspended: "For the first time he is getting no pain from his knee and he looks reborn, free of all his worries and doubts," the Blues boss has said. The Frenchmans return gives Bruce the option of choosing from four forwards in top scorer Mikael Forssell, Clinton Morrison, last weeks goal hero Stern John and Dugs himself.

So the Blues boss really is spoilt for choice, for the first time in what seems like an age, ahead of the live television clash at the City of Manchester Stadium on Sunday.

A happy boss but some unhappy players maybe!