Bruce’s 6-pack

Andrew Cole’s comments to the press in the last few days indicates that he is still up for a footballing fight.

His arrival at St Andrew’s has caused a degree of surprise amongst fans, many of whom were expecting a defender or attacking midfielder to be the more likely to be secured on loan.

He was quick to point out that he would rather play than warm the bench, opting to drop down a division rather than be left on the sidelines at Portsmouth, where he has started only a handful of games this season.

At 35, Cole is set to be Birmingham’s senior striking statesman compared to the array of youth that could join him at the front of the pitch.

He could possibly teach them a thing or two; in his career so far he has won every club footballing competition available to an English player. He also has the skill and guile that a long career at a high level provides.

His arrival will have posed a interesting selection dilemma for Steve Bruce as Birmingham now have almost an embarrassment of riches in the forward department.

However, goals have been thin on the ground since Christmas, prompting this foray for an experienced striker in the loan market to help Blues in their final push for an automatic promotion place.

With only McSheffrey unavailable for selection on Sunday, there are a number of options available.

Cameron Jerome was an unused substitute for the England Under-21s in the week, so is fresh and could be a good foil for Cole’s experience.

Rowan Vine has both strength and speed in his armoury and could also be a good choice.

As Nicklas Bendtner played for Denmark in their game against Germany on Wednesday night, resting him might be appropriate, but he could still make a useful contribution coming off the bench. Scoring for his country might also be the catalyst to get him back on the scoresheet for Birmingham.

DJ Campbell, who might feel that he has been unlucky in not contrbuting more in recent games (particularly considering his goals to minutes played ratio) could also figure on Sunday, but is more likely to be a substitute.

Of the strikeforce available to Steve Bruce, Mikael Forssell is probably not likely to feature, having been left out of the sixteen against West Brom last Sunday.

Whoever makes the first eleven against Coventry will have a fight on their hands, as Iain Dowie has put them into a good vein of form since he took over. They are now showing signs of good organisation and are scoring goals too. Sunday promises to be a good game.

Match preview to follow on Saturday.