Bruce wary of geographical obstacles

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The 28-year-old Portsmouth frontman was in the north east on Thursday to hold talks with Bruce after the two clubs agreed a fee late on Wednesday evening.

Crouch is also expected to talk to Fulham on Friday and Bruce said: "Location is the big thing, probably, but we will do our utmost - and we have. That's all we can do."

He added: "We have had him up, we have done our utmost, the club has backed me. We have done everything we possibly can and if we can pull it off, it will be a terrific signing for the club. The intention is there for everybody to see.

"I believe there's a bit of competition in there, but let's keep our fingers crossed because he is the type of signing that would obviously set our intentions of where we want to be. But we will see what develops over the next 24, 48 hours."

Bruce will also hope for positive news on another front as defender Paul McShane undergoes a scan on the knee injury he suffered in Thursday night's 4-0 friendly win over Darlington.

The Republic of Ireland international limped off with 20 minutes remaining after coming on as a half-time substitute and scoring his side's third goal.

Bruce later revealed he has suffered suspected cartilage damage, and that could prove costly for his country as well as his club with a vital World Cup qualifier in Cyprus coming up on September 5.

He said: "The only disappointing thing is the injury to McShane. We will not know until Friday. It looks as if he has hurt his knee, but we will see what the scans say.

"It could be cartilage damage, it's as serious as that. That's what our fear is."