Clinton Morrison has finally completed his on-off transfer to Birmingham City after signing for a reputed club record £4.25million at St Andrews this afternoon. The Republic of Ireland international was unveiled as the Premiership newcomers' fifth signing of the summer but the club have not disclosed the fee. Morrison and Andrew Johnson, who has moved the other way in a £750,000 deal, both passed medicals yesterday and were unveiled by their new clubs this afternoon.
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce, who was Morrison's boss at Selhurst Park before moving to St Andrews last Christmas, had made the Irish front man his number one target. Bruce confirmed: "He has been my number one target all along and I am sure he will be successful and score goals for Birmingham City. It has taken longer than expected but this club is delighted to have signed Clinton on a four-year deal."
Morrison's move to the Premiership will be good news for Mick McCarthy ahead of the qualifying campaign for Euro 2004, with the step up in standard sure to benefit his all-round game. The retirement of Niall Quinn and Damien Duff's scintillating exploits on the wing could see the Irish boss opt for a partnership of Morrison and Robbie Keane, with Duff supplying the ammunition from either flank.
Unphased by his lack of experience at the highest level, Bruce added: "People say he has not played in the Premiership but that is not an issue to me. I am certain he will score goals for us at the top level." Morrison will link up with fellow Republic international Kenny Cunningham following his switch from Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Filed by Shane Murray
