WHILE Steve Bruce ponders ways of strengthening his squad, the Sunderland manager has warned Fraizer Campbell’s growing list of admirers that he will be going nowhere this month.

Campbell’s opportunities have been few and far between at the Stadium of Light this season following a £3.5m move from Manchester United.

But he reminded Bruce of his qualities against nonleague Barrow on Saturday, when his six-minute double finally ended the Blue Square Premier outfit’s hopes of causing an FA Cup shock on third round day.

Bruce insists that Campbell remains part of his plans, which will be frustrating words to many Championship clubs hoping to have the 22- year-old spearhead their promotion charges to the Premier League – just as he did with Hull two years ago.

“No, there’s absolutely no chance of him going on loan,”

said Bruce. “Hey listen, I’ve got two strikers and I’ve got a young one (Ryan Noble). I’ve let Martyn Waghorn go on loan to Leicester.

“Fraizer knew when I bought him that he would have to be a little bit patient.

He’s only a boy. He’s not really played in the Premier League before, even though he’s come through at Man United. He didn’t play a lot at Spurs last year and he played a year for Hull in the Championship and got them promoted.

“He’s waited for his chance, he’s got his chance and he’s got a great future ahead of him. But he’s definitely not going anywhere on loan.

“The goals will do him a world of good too. I’ve been a bit unfair to him, too, I’ve played him on the right, but a striker wants to be a centre forward.”

With Bruce looking to be active in the transfer market this month, a striker is likely to be in his sights.

While determined to retain the services of Campbell, who is yet to score in the Premier League for Sunderland, Bruce might be tempted into offloading David Healy.

Healy has not started a league game since his move from Fulham in August 2008 and he has hinted that he would like a new challenge this month.

Healy said: “It’s well known that I want to play more games and obviously I am going to have to consider all my options. Looking back 2009 wasn’t the best for me. I want to make sure 2010 is much, much better.”

Bruce is intent on adding to his squad before the transfer window closes on February 1, but he also insists he will not pay over-inflated fees for any of his transfer targets.

He has confirmed an interest in Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson – saying “I’m aware of his situation” – but he is reluctant to match Boro’s £5m valuation, given that he is out of contract at the end of the season.

Bruce was forced to hand opportunities to a number of his young players against Barrow and, while satisfied with their performances, he does not want to put too much pressure on their shoulders too early.

As well as handing another start to David Meyler and Jordan Henderson, he also followed the introduction of teenage striker Ryan Noble with the debut of full-back Michael Liddle, leaving another youngster Adam Reed frustrated on the line.

“I didn’t toss a coin, but I put my hands out and told Reed and Liddle to pick a hand, and Liddle won,” he said. “It was 3-0 with a few minutes to go and they were both itching to get on. They were near enough tapping me on the shoulder wanting to come on. I haven’t done that before, no, so it was a first.”

Bruce was just satisfied to have won for the first time since October 21, even if it was against non-league opposition in the FA Cup ahead of Saturday’s visit of Bolton.

“I’m pleased to get through, it’s never easy,” said the Sunderland boss. “It puts the winless run to bed, which is good; we can’t talk about that any more.

“The most important thing is that we haven’t picked up any more injuries. That’s the vital thing which is hurting us badly at the moment and that needs to improve.

Against Barrow, no disrespect, you can get away with it, but in the Premier League, to carry ten injuries, is going to be very difficult if we don’t get them fit quick.”

Bruce hopes to have at least four back for the Bolton match, although he is concerned about the knee injury sustained by Nyron Nosworthy and he will have scans this week.

The Ghana FA, meanwhile, have confirmed that John Mensah will miss this month’s African Cup of Nations. Mensah was due to start the competition on January 10, as his hamstring problem prevents him from going.