By Kyle Braithwaite
July 1 2003

Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison has set himself some pre-season aims, which he will carry out this season while playing for the Blues. Birmingham City's record-signing Clinton Morrison is still determined to give Blues value for money.

The Londoner is one of a handful of players due to return to the club's training ground today to improve their cardiovascular fitness before the rest of the squad return back for pre-season in 9 days’ time.

He is also anxious to enjoy his football after admitting in the past that he has struggled to acclimatise to his new surroundings in Birmingham, following his move from Crystal Palace.

"I'll be okay," said Morrison. "It is my job and I've got to get on with my football. It is a short career and I'm going to try and enjoy myself more.

I'm going to play with a smile on my face and not let things get to me. I know I probably haven't been playing to the capabilities that I think I can achieve but hopefully that will change. I'll be looking to prove myself to the fans and I think the club can have another good season."

Morrison will be joined in training by Olivier Tebily, Darren Purse and Martin Grainger who are all looking to get in shape for the new season. And Morrison knows he will have to work harder than most because his right shoulder has not fully recovered, despite having surgery to pin the joint over two months ago. He said: "It is getting better, but it is still sore and I will be struggling to be fit for the start of the season.

"I dislocated my other shoulder at Palace, but this is taking much longer to get right. I'll work hard in pre-season. I think we are just going to be doing running and trying to catch up with the rest of the squad's fitness to start off. It doesn't sound fun, but it has got to be done."

Birmingham are also close to the £5.5 million signing of Blackburn’s David Dunn who is desperate to leave and Blues are the only club to have made a firm bid.

Blues chairman David Gold said: "I wish it was a done deal. Talks are still ongoing and with Karen (Brady) back from holiday, hopefully they can progress. We are still confident but we have to be patient."