Powell trial period extended

Last updated : 28 August 2002 By Brian Cartlidge

Bruce has been impressed by Powell who played in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Blackburn Rovers on Monday and now wants longer than the initial one week that Powell was to spend at St. Andrew's to decide if he wants to sign the player.

Bruce said: "He played in a practice game with Blackburn and he's done very well. I am pleased with him. But he tells me that was his first game for six months and it is very hard for me to judge him on that and he is still working on his fitness."

He added: "I'll pull him in at the end of this week or early next week, but we are going to give him as long as possible.

"Let's give him another three weeks or a month and we will see how it goes and we will see how it progresses. I am sure that Darryl is up for that as well.

"The good thing is that because he has got no club at present means he can be signed after the weekend deadline."