Birmingham boss Steve Bruce admits central defender Matthew Upson has been affected by  speculation linking him with a move away from St Andrews.

But Bruce believes clubs will monitor Upson's progress over the next few months after his lengthy injury lay-off before making a bid for the England player in the summer.

The Blues chief decided to play £6 million Upson in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Newcastle.

He said: "I think this transfer talk is affecting Matty - the talk and everything that goes with it. Matty is concentrating on playing football but all this must be turning his head. It's constant and it's only January 8th.

"I must have read he is going to 12 different clubs and I haven't had a single phone call. There has not been one inquiry. Not one manager has rung me about Matthew Upson. No chairman has been in touch."

Bruce added: "I don't think it makes any difference if people are cup-tied or not these days. Matty's price won't go down between now and the summer. If he is worth £6 million now, he is going to be worth £6 million in the summer."