Steve Bruce believes there is little chance of Nicklas Bendtner returning to Birmingham in January.
Boss looking to boost attacking options
Steve Bruce believes there is little chance of Nicklas Bendtner returning to Birmingham in January.
The Danish international striker spent the whole of last season on loan at St Andrews from Arsenal, and scored 11 goals as the club won promotion back to the Premier League.
With his reputation improved, Bendtner has managed to break into the first team fold at the Emirates this season and has scored two goals in eight appearances.
Whilst Bruce admits that he would welcome the opportunity to bring the striker back for a second spell to boost his forward line, he feels that it is highly unlikely that Arsene Wenger would agree to release the player.
Priority
"If you look at us compared to last season then, for me, in a crucial area of the pitch up front, we are not as good as we were last year in the Championship because we are without Nicklas Bendtner," Bruce said.
"Strenghtening in that area remains a priority and I've got to try and identify some people, that's for sure.
"But I really don't think there is any chance of us getting Bendtner back on loan. I really don't think there is any chance of that happening.
"I don't think that they would let him out for a start and there has been no conversation with Mr Wenger. It would be on my wish list but it is not going to happen."
Forssell
Birmingham could be strengthened up front against Aston Villa on Sunday by the return of Mikael Forssell. The Finnish international has impressed for the reserves recently, and Bruce believes that if the striker can remain fit then he will deliver much-needed goals.
"Mikael's knee is okay, he has got over his hernia injury and we are hoping he can now have a clear six-month run rather than be interrupted like he has been for the past three years.
"He is a goalscorer and we are crying out for one. We finished 10th when he scored 19 goals, that's why we spent all that money on him. Since then, however, he has not really been fit.
"But we know if he does stay injury-free and maintains his level of fitness then he will always be a goalscorer.
"I know he is capable of getting 10 goals for us in the next six months and that could play a massive part in staying in this position."
