Bruce puts public Brum row in the past.

Byline: JAMES HUNTER 

STEVE BRUCE returns to Birmingham tomorrow insisting his acrimonious departure from St Andrews is all in the past.

Bruce spent six years in charge of the Blues but a drawn-out takeover bid - which began in 2007 and was only resolved earlier this month when Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung finally took control - saw the former Manchester United defender leave the Midlands to take over at Wigan.

His departure led to a public row between him and Birmingham's thenowners David Sullivan and David Gold, as they quibbled over how much money was due to Bruce.

But, that aside, Bruce says he still has an 'affinity' with the club and its supporters and is looking forward to going back to St Andrews tomorrow with Sunderland.

He said: "I had two years there as a player and six as a manager, so I still have an affinity with the club. And it was sad for me, the way it ended.

"I didn't really believe - after all the problems we'd encountered and successfully got through together over the years - that it was right to bring out all sorts of issues about money or bonuses that were owed.

"I thought it was wrong and it left a bad taste in the mouth - it still does. And it spoilt what was a very enjoyable eight years of my life.

"It was a very difficult time because I was caught between two boards - the current one saying they wanted me, and the new one saying they were not so sure."

Sunderland have taken four points from their last two games against Manchester United and Liverpool and Bruce is determined to keep that momentum going against the newly-promoted Blues.

"We can't get ahead of ourselves and be overconfident but, by the same token, we've got to have confidence in ourselves and each other and look to continue the good run of the last few weeks. We're going there with an attacking mindset, confident we can come away with a point and possibly all three."

Bruce will be without midfielder Lee Cattermole (knee ligaments) while Trinidad & Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones (ankle) remains a doubt, with both injuries picked up in last weekend's win over Liverpool.

If Jones is not passed fit, Fraizer Campbell is likely to take his place, while Bruce could turn to Jordan Henderson, Bolo Zenden or Kieran Richardson - who is available again after missing the Liverpool game through suspension - to fill the gap left by Cattermole.

Defender George McCartney has recovered from the illness that forced him off at half-time against the Reds and is ready to play tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Under 21 goalkeeper Trevor Carson has signed a new contract at Sunderland which will keep him on Wearside until 2012.