Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce doesn't believe he'll manage to re-sign Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner in January.

Bruce admits Bendtner would be on his wish list after the Danish international impressed in helping City gain promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season.

But he believes it is highly unlikely Arsene Wenger would agree to releasing Bendtner when the transfer window opens in January.

Bruce said: "If you look at us compared to last season then, for me, in a crucial area of the pitch up front, we are not as good as we were last year in the Championship because we are without Nicklas Bendtner.

"Strengthening in that area remains a priority and I've got to try and identify some people, that's for sure.

"But I don't think there is any chance of us getting Bendtner back on loan. I really don't think there is any chance of that happening.

"I know it is being bandied about in the media. I don't think there is any chance of that at all.

"I don't think they would let him out for a start and there has been no conversation with Mr Wenger. It would be on my wish list but it is not going to happen."