Shroot out to impress

Shroot: Toughening up

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Cheltenham's on-loan winger Robin Shroot is keen to impress Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish during his spell at Whaddon Road this season.

The former Northern Ireland U21 international has set his sights on representing the Blues in the Premier League, but knows that he needs to catch the eye whilst with the Robins.

The tricky winger is still awaiting his first start for the League Two club, but is confident of grasping his opportunity when called upon.

"I'm a confident young player and Alex told me to go out on loan and toughen up by playing some games in the Football League," Shroot told skysports.com.

"I know that if I am given a good run in the side that I can progress and he would like to see me do that because I didn't really get the chance at Burton last year."

Future

The number of foreign imports in the Premier League have often been blamed for the lack of opportunity for English youngsters to shine in the top tier, but Shroot believes that situation will change sooner rather than later.

"I believe that the cream always rises to the top, but if clubs do have money to spend on foreign players then it is bound to limit the number of youngsters breaking through into the first-team of top tier clubs," he said.

"However, I reckon that the new tax rules will put a lot of foreign players off from coming to England in the future, so in the long-term the future will probably look brighter for young players in this country."