McSheffrey remains defiant

Midfielder will not let the Birmingham boo-boys win

By Phil Jackson   Last updated: 7th April 2008

Coventry gary mcsheffrey v Newcastle March 2008

McSheffrey: Tough campaign

I won't let that affect me because, if you score a couple of goals, then you're a hero again.

Gary McSheffrey
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Gary McSheffrey insists he will prove his critics wrong at Birmingham City despite struggling to find his feet in the Premier League this season.

The former Coventry City midfielder scored 17 goals to fire the Blues into the top flight last term, but has so far failed to reproduce that form in front of goal in 2007-08.

He has still to score a goal in open play this season and lasted just 60 minutes of the 2-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

A section of the St Andrews support have made their feelings about the ailing star's tally known in recent home games, but McSheffrey is refusing to let it get to him.

Belief

"Players can be heroes one minute, villains the next. Fans pay their money so they're entitled to have a moan if they feel that someone should be scoring a goal or doing something that they're not," McSheffrey said.

"If I start crumbling because a few fans get on my back at St Andrews, then I'm a really weak person. I won't let that affect me because, if you score a couple of goals, then you're a hero again.

"I took a whole lot of praise last season which was great and really appreciated. But everyone goes through a little bad spell in their career where fans get at them - and it is only a minority really.

"I think I've had 20 or 21 starts in the Premier League so I am still adapting and if we stay up this season the aim is to become a good Premier League player."

The Blues face Everton next in the league on Saturday and could dertainly do with McSheffrey weighing in with more goals if they are to avoid a nervous conclusion to the campaign.