Bruce - Dugarry the talisman for Blues

The former Manchester United defender, who recently signed a new lucrative five-year deal with the Midlands club, is delighted at clinching the signature of the former French international.

"It was important we got Christophe (Dugarry) signed up on a long-term deal in the summer. He was a talisman for us last season," said Bruce.

The Blues boss believes that the permanent capture of Dugarry, who completed a hugely successful loan spell with the club last season, will lead the club into a successful new era

"It's going to be harder for Dugarry this year, but he is a world class player and he will deal with that," he added.

Dugarry is in agreement with his manager, but insists he and his colleagues have enough quality to progress from last season's mid-table finish. 

"I now know The Premiership, what I can do and what space I will get," said the Frenchman.

"It means that I must try harder, the team also. We have continued to grow and we must be better than 13th - that's progress."