Forssell is facing a long, hot summer

Mikael Forssell should not bank on much of a summer break after Birmingham boss Steve Bruce suggested the striker will be sent on loan to get fit for next season.

The Finnish striker left St Andrew's before Sunday's win over Coventry, when he discovered he was not even a substitute, and went to train on his own.

Forssell has suffered two years of misery with a variety of knee problems. But he is in good physical condition and Bruce said: It's a difficult one with Mikael.

He's hardly played at all during the past two years and after that length of time out of the game anyone is going to struggle to get their sharpness back.

At the moment, I'm looking at him going out on loan this summer. Several leagues are still in action and it could be the best thing for all concerned.

He's mentally strong and has worked unbelievably hard to get back. He's one of the first into training. His work ethic is to be applauded and he's looking in really good shape.

But, like I say, two years is an awfully long time to be out and I don't want to throw him back into it if he is not 100 per cent ready.'

Bruce is hoping scans on former England striker Andy Cole's hamstring don't reveal too much damage.

The loan signing from Portsmouth was pulled out of his debut and the Birmingham manager should find out on Tuesday if his move was in vain.