Dan needs to prove his fitness - Bruce

Oct 3 2007 By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

STEVE Bruce today revealed that Daniel de Ridder is still not quite ready to show his worth in Blues' first team.

The winger has been hampered by a bad ankle and although he was part of the Blues squad on Saturday for the Manchester United match, he failed to make the 16.

"I think he needs games," said the manager. "He had a frustrating time in pre-season because we couldn't get clearance for him.

"We saw him briefly against Sheffield Wednesday when it did come through, and you could see how good he is. Then he got injured at Chelsea when he came on and always, when you turn your ankle like that and the way he plays, it has to be right.

"I still think he's a little bit ginger with it. But he's not a million miles off, and it's a long season. He will play his part."

With de Ridder still getting up to speed, crocked midfielder Oubina not expected to be seen again and striker Mikael Forssell out for three to four weeks due to a hernia, Neil Danns has seized an opportunity,

The attacking midfielder was named among the substitutes in the Premier League for the first time this season last Saturday.

Bruce said that Danns, who has been targeted by several clubs for a loan, had impressed him recently.

"He's been frustrated like a few of them, but he rolls up his sleeves and gives it everything he has got. He got two goals in the reserves the other night against West Ham, three goals last week against Arsenal, and the way we are playing with three midfield players, or one off the front, he could just come into that category.

"His attitude since he has walked through the door has been excellent. It's never been a problem. And he forced his way on to the bench for the Manchester United game.

"I had a decision to make. De Ridder is still not quite right yet, and with Forssell out, he got the nod, and deservedly so."