McLeish: Sheff's lost killer instinct

Jan 23 2008 By Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

GARY McSheffrey has lost that killer instinct, according to manager Alex McLeish.

But the Blues boss said he was confident the winger would emerge from his slump in fortune.

McSheffrey was preferred to Olivier Kapo by McLeish immediately after he took over.

But now Kapo has the left wing spot and McSheffrey is on the outside looking in, no doubt contemplating the wretched time he seems to have whenever in sight of goal.

Even for the reserves on Monday night against Arsenal when presented with an inviting shooting angle close in, his lack of confidence showed as he lashed the ball wide into the Tilton Road End.

"The change shows Gary there is great competition in these forward areas and you've got to perform at high level," said McLeish. "Gary has performed really well. The work side of his game has been outstanding.

"He's just got to find the killer touch. That is the only thing that has eluded him really."

McSheffrey has not scored in open play for 11 months.

McLeish said: "He shouldn't force that. I think in a couple of games he has forced his decision-making. Maybe he has got to think about that a wee bit and the chance will come.

"In the Huddersfield game I think he had three or four shots from impossible areas and that for me is a player who is forcing things. But I can't fault what he has done for the team."