Morrison eyes Blues exit

Birmingham striker Clinton Morrison has admitted that his future lies away from St Andrews and he could seal a move to another Premiership club, with Sunderland known admirers, before the close of the transfer window.

Blues manager Steve Bruce is likely to utilise Emile Heskey and Mikael Forssell as his first choice front pairing, leaving a frustrated Morrison to warm the bench.

The 26-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Heskey and Forssell will be the two starters so that is obviously a big concern for me.

"There are two weeks to go before the window closes and I expect to be out of the door by then.

"I have said that I would be happy to stay at Birmingham but it hasn't worked out the way I wanted at club level.

"I am not prepared to sit on the bench and wait - I want to play football."

Morrison, who is currently in Dublin preparing for Republic of Ireland's friendly international with Italy, feels that a lack of first team opportunities will hamper his chances of going to the World Cup should his nation qualify.

"I've been doing well for my country and scoring goals and if we qualify for the World Cup I won't play unless I've been playing at club level."

The former Crystal Palace player has confirmed Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy's interest in signing him, although his wage demands previously scuppered any chance of a move to The Stadium of Light.

"I've still not ruled out going to Sunderland because I've always said I would like to play for Mick again.

"It would have been brilliant to go to Sunderland when I heard they were interested but my wages were a stumbling block at the time."

Morrison would appear to have no shortage of suitors but he did reveal that a loan move was out of the question.

"Steve Bruce said that he didn't want to loan me. If I do move in the next two weeks it will be a permanent transfer.

"Quite a few clubs from The Premiership and Championship have been in contact with my agent but I will know more when I return from international duty."