McSheffrey ready for Wigan test

Blues midfielder to put friendship to one side

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 3rd April 2008

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McSheffrey: Respects Bruce and Black

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Gary McSheffrey is ready to put friendship to one side as Birmingham tackle Wigan in a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday.

McSheffrey has nothing but respect for former Blues boss Steve Bruce and his assistant Eric Black, now the management team at the JJB Stadium.

However, he is staying focused on the three points that are available as both sides are hovering just above the relegation zone and whoever wins will take a huge stride towards securing their safety.

"With Wigan a point ahead of us, it's a big game for both teams," the midfielder told the Birmingham Mail.

"Steve and Eric, I've quite a lot of respect for them, they're top blokes. They are human beings first and foremost and it will be nice going to their place and seeing them.

"But we will be going there with a job to do and they will be thinking the same about us so, for 90 minutes, we won't be friends."

Not ideal

McSheffrey, signed by Bruce from Coventry in 2006, has scored just three goals this season and he admits it has been a difficult campaign.

But he was pleased with his performance in the 3-1 victory over Manchester City last week and is now looking to finish the season strongly.

"In an ideal world, if you had asked me what I wanted from the outcome of this season it would have been 15 goals and us comfortably half way up the league," he said.

"But it doesn't always happen like that. Sometimes you have to work hard for what you get.

"It has certainly proven that for me and the lads this season. If you keep putting the effort in, eventually you get your reward, and I got mine last Saturday with the penalty."