No summer break for Mikael?

Many news sources are now quoting that Mikael Forssell will be sent on loan, probably to Scandinavia, for the summer.

As their leagues play over the summer period to accommodate the long northern winter, this could be an opportunity for the Finnish international to regain his former sharpness.

Birmingham are currently loaded with striking options, so his absence should not make a significant difference to their bid to retain an automatic promotion spot.

Andy Cole was withdrawn as a precaution for the game against Coventry and is expected to be in the sixteen for the fixture against Burnley on Saturday April 7th.

Racked by knee injuries over the past two years, he has undergone surgery on both knees and has been through a lengthy rehabilitation period.

He was declared fit for action recently and made a 35-minute appearance in the ill-fated game against Norwich at Carrow Road, but was disappointing and has not featured since.

Forssell`s determination to regain full fitness has never been called into question. He has quietly applied himself to whatever regime has been declared to be suitable and put himself through hours of toil in his quest to secure a first-team place.

Steve Bruce has declared that he is not prepared to take any risks with Forssell`s fitness and is hoping that the summer loan will return the former Chelsea player to the sparkling form that shot him into the high-scorer tables in their second season in the Premiership.

The Finn is still a hero in the eyes of many Birmingham City fans and remembered fondly for his skill and clinical finishing.

Two doubts remain though; will he ever be able to play with the same finesse again – and if he does, will it be in a Birmingham City shirt?