STEVE Bruce believes that "the real Clinton Morrison" is finally starting to emerge as a major force with Birmingham.

Morrison scored his second goal in three matches and gave further evidence of a flourishing partnership with Mikael Forssell.

The Republic of Ireland international has had a difficult first season and a half at St Andrews after becoming a then record signing at £4.5million in the summer of 2002.

He found it hard to adjust to life outside of London and was just starting to make a worthwhile contribution when he was laid low for several months with a shoulder problem.

But Morrison is now looking a Premiership-quality performer and he and Forssell have carried on where they left off after a productive spell together at Crystal Palace two years ago.

Bruce said: "Clinton has found it difficult. There is no hiding from that. It is difficult to bring a young kid out of London and away from his home and then he had a tough time with the injury.

"But everyone saw against Leicester City a couple of weeks back and against Blackburn on Saturday exactly the kind of player I bought.

"He was bright and brave and, when he gets a chance like the one he had for his goal, I know he'll put it away because he is a good finisher. I've never lost that faith in him."

Morrison said: "This is the most confident I've been since I came to Birmingham. When I'm confident and I'm on a high, I know I can take things to a great level and the gaffer knows that.

"There have been low times but my mum, sister and girlfriend have helped me to keep my spirits up when I was really down."