Rather like an acceptance speech at the Baftas, Dudley 'DJ' Campbell has a list of people he wants to thank when he finally scores his first Premiership goal.

However, unlike the superficial schmaltz and fake sincerity proffered by film stars, Campbell is undoubtedly genuine.

Despite making only two substitute appearances, the 24-year-old striker has been a box-office smash at St Andrew's with his raw talent and ebullient personality.

There is an energy about the £500,000 signing from Brentford that invigorates those around him and, after scoring for the reserves against West Bromwich Albion in midweek, he will be hoping to break his Premier-ship duck against Sunderland tomorrow.

Of course, Campbell shot to national prominence after snaring two goals for Brent-ford against the aforementioned opposition in this season's FA Cup.

He is likely to be used at some juncture against the Premiership's back-markers and he wants to repay the faith shown him by Steve Bruce, the Blues manager.

"Steve Bruce is a good man, as was my former manager Martin Allen," Campbell said. "It wasn't so long ago that I was playing non-League football. I hope I repaid Martin in some way and I hope I can repay Steve, as he took a gamble on me."

Campbell is also gushing in his praise for Yeading manger Johnson Hippolyte who rescued him from a nightmare stint at Stevenage.

However, he reserves his biggest tribute for family and friends who have guided him through some difficult periods in his football career.

It has been well documented how Campbell has risen from warehouse worker to Premiership star inside two years; yet he says it was the bedrock of strong family support that was his safety cushion when problems arose.

"I will probably dedicate my first goal to my mum but all of my family have been there for me," Campbell said.

"My mum, Valerie, has played a massive part, as she came to watch every home game at Brentford and Yeading.

"She will be here against Sunderland and hopefully my brother will bring her up.

"My dad doesn't watch as much but he is very supportive, as is my sister.

"Both my parents are retired. My dad is nearly 80 and my mum is 60."

Campbell, who says that three points are of paramount importance tomorrow and that they usurp any personal goals he has, adds that the crestfallen look on his parents' faces spurred him on to return to football.

Campbell fell out of love with football after leaving Aston Villa as a 16-year-old and says the hardest part was going home.

"It was just silly to walk out on a chance like that," he said. "I didn't realise until I got home and saw the disappointment on my family's faces, as they realised what I could have had. I didn't see it and going home hurt me the most.

"My parents were so disappointed. I repeatedly let them down, as I got kicked out of Queens Park Rangers three times as well.

"They kept taking me back and then kicking me out again.

"I also had a day at Charlton and couldn't be bothered to go back the next day as it was too far!

"I was a bad apple but I am a more rounded individual now that I have worked and appreciate what I have got."

Bruce has problems in central defence with Kenny Cunningham, Martin Taylor and Matthew Uspon struggling for fitness.

Alex Bruce is suspended but Olivier Tebily, after a knee injury, is likely to return to the squad. Thankfully for Bruce, he has more options in attack and Campbell is hoping to make an impact against the team he tormented six weeks ago.

He said: "Whether I play or not, the main thing is three points as we are desperate for them. But, if I do get an opportunity, I will be hoping to get on the scoresheet or affect the game in some way "I am different to our other three strikers. I am more about pace and trickery rather than a big, strong type of player who holds it up and wins flick-ons.

"They are all internationals so I am still living the dream. I still wake up every morning and say a prayer and thank God for letting me be here now." ..SUPL: