Bruce Answers

Steve Bruce has responded to the earlier interviews by striker Mikael Forssell.

'Yes, Mikael's had a frustrating time.

'He's worked tremendously hard to come back from his knee injury, he couldn't have done more.

'But I have to pick a team I think is playing well and pick a team I think can win us football matches.

'And how can I leave someone like DJ Campbell out at the moment? I can't, he's in charge. He's looked electric the last four or five games. And then you've got Nicklas Bendtner, we've all seen what a talent he is.

'The two of them have got seven goals between them now. I'm never going to say that they are my number one partnership, because it's still very early on in the season and you never know what might happen.

'But you don't have to be Einstein to see that they are very confident, on top of their game, and enjoy playing together.

'I've still got Mikael there too. And Cameron Jerome is itching to force himself in. Competition for places is the biggest weapon a manager can have.

'I think it's important for everyone to realise that you need a squad in this league.

'There are still 38 games left, you are going to get injuries and suspensions - and we've already had three sendings-off, which is too many.

'The bigger and better the squad is, the better chance you have got. And that area up front, we all know what can happen if you leave yourself short.'

I suppose Mikael would question when fit why he isn't the automatic first choice as opposed to a player who is here on loan and for experience only and won't be signing permanently for us.

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