Cisse must change attitude

However, Birmingham chairman David Gold has said only a complete change of attitude from Cisse will make a difference to his predicament.

Manager Steve Bruce's patience snapped when Cisse turned up late for pre-season training on Thursday. The midfielder was put on the transfer list and fined two weeks wages.

Cisse was wanted back on 1 July after an injury-hit first season at the club but Bruce had been frustrated in his attempts to get in contact with the hard-tackling Lions skipper.

He has got to realise he has to follow the rules. David Gold Birmingham City chairman

Gold backed his manager but added: "Aliou is a very nice man and a star but he is not a superstar. There is only so much you can do for a player and Steve has been very fair to him over the problems and injuries he has had.

"It is very sad to think that a player of Aliou's quality has lost a bit of professionalism. He has got to realise he has to follow the rules."

He said the Birmingham City board fully supports the manager in the action he has taken against Cisse.

"I endorse what Steve has said about Aliou having to show that, yes, he does want to play for Birmingham City and that his attitude must change.

"But Steve has stated that he doesn't hold a grudge and I am sure that this is the case. I hope Aliou realises that he has erred and that there is a way back for him - if he wants it."