John helped Birmingham win promotion

The Trinidad and Tobago international, 27, has joined on a three-year deal, opting to choose Coventry ahead of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United.

John joined Birmingham from Forest in 2002 but is now only the fifth-choice striker at St Andrews.

But Dwight Yorke, Emile Heskey, Mikael Forssell and Clinton Morrison are all above John in the pecking order at the Premiership club.

Bruce told the Birmingham City website: "Of the strikers, Stern is probably my favourite if I'm truthful.

"He probably did more than most in helping us up into the Premier League.

"But I think there does come a time though when you have to move on.

"Stern probably could have accepted being one of the four strikers but adding Dwight as a fifth, his chances were going to be limited."