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Steve Bruce faced the press at Bodymoor Heath on Thursday morning ahead of the highly anticipated Second City derby against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on Sunday.

There was much to discuss; the claret and blues’ record against Blues in recent years, Bruce’s thoughts on his former employers and the very latest team news.

A number of players are on their way back, but a few more still will remain absent as Blues travel across the city for the high noon kick off.

Here are Bruce’s thoughts in full as he previews the derby.

On the occasion

“I don’t think you have to say anything motivational wise, big derby game.

“I didn’t realise the intensity of it before I arrived in the city, it means a lot to both supporters.

“It’s always one of those great occasions.

“Never a great football match, probably, that’s what derby games are.

“In terms of entertainment, and what’s at stake, it’s all to play for.

The anticipation

“It’s what you’re here for, it’s what we all enjoy, that’s the sickness of us.

“The atmosphere will be red hot, they’ll make it that way, and it’s who handles it

“It’s often said: you play the game not the occasion.

“Yes, you’ve got to get yourself revved up for it of course, but you’ve got to remember to play.

“Let’s hope we can go and win the game with a flash of individual brilliance.

“On the other hand, is there a mistake? Mistakes often cost big games too.

“They’re the main ingredients for a derby game. Make sure you can play well when you can, and for all the madness around you, keep focused on the game and play it the right way.”

Current form

“What’s happened in the previous week, goes out the window. What’s happened in the previous year goes out the window.

“It’s another occasion. We’ve had the better of it of late, let’s hope that stays this way this year.”

Team news

“Lansbury’s knee is still niggling away at him.

“Jack has two games under his belt in four months and Mile has trained all week but he hasn’t played for a while so it would be a risk.

“Is Gabby going to be okay? I doubt it.

“Unless he goes to see the messiah!

“We know he enjoys the occasion but it’s looking unlikely for him.”

On Blues

“I was at Cardiff, they thoroughly deserved to win.

“If there’s ever a difference in the Championship, it’s the difference in styles between what Birmingham are going to throw at us, and what Fulham did last week.

“We know what to expect. I’m sure Steve [Cotterill] will have his team well organised, well drilled and well marshalled.

“Form goes out the window in these games. Forget what has happened in recent years.”