Fowler admits form worries

Robbie Fowler admits he is not the same player as he used to be.

Fowler has not been seen at his prolific best since his glory days at Liverpool.

The Manchester City marksman had a troubled spell at Leeds United and has also struggled with injuries during his time at City.

Fowler missed a glorious opportunity in City's defeat at Birmingham City during the week, one that he would have gobbled up in his prime.

The Scouse marksman admits he is far from his best, but vowed to keep on trying to rediscover his form of old.

"I would not say I am finished as a player, but I am obviously not the player I was," he told BBC GMR.

"It is up to me to try to get to that place again. I know it is going to be difficult, but I will keep trying. That's all I can do.

"As a forward, you are judged on goals. When you are not scoring, your confidence does tend to dip.

"Personally, if I am not scoring, my confidence does go. That's just part and parcel of being me. Every player is different and I cannot change the way I am.

"When I score goals, my confidence is high, when I am not, it is quite low.

"I missed a very good chance (against Birmingham). I mistimed it. If that had gone in, we were looking at a different game, but my confidence dipped."

Fowler also took the opportunity to clear the air amid reports of a bust-up with team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

"We don't go out and socialise a lot, but Nicolas is a great player. I am not a bad player and good players can play with anyone - regardless of who is up front.

"We have made strides forward - we do talk to each other a lot on the pitch - and we can get better.

"I am sure we can get a few more goals this season. It does look quite promising."