McSheffrey says 'it's not looking great' for his future at Birmingham City

Oct 8 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

“You have just got to try and be mentally strong, and stay focused on your job, what you do. It’s about being determined and doing the right things every day.

“Yes, it’s frustrating feeling like you are just making the numbers up on the bench. But a chance might come because we’re not really winning or scoring much, so you have to stay positive and train hard and keep a good attitude.

“I’m not saying I should play because then we would win, but obviously I believe I can contribute. The day you stop believing in yourself is the day you go backwards.

“Like I’ve said, I’ve got to remain mentally strong, positive, and hope for the chance.”

Sheffield United have made the firmest move for McSheffrey, but nothing has yet materialised.

He said: “I’ve read a lot but, to be honest, the manager spoke to me before the transfer window to say he would listen to offers on a permanent basis.

“I’m seeing a lot of quotes and stuff but the manager hasn’t said a thing to me about any loans, so I’m just a little bit in the wilderness as well in that respect.

“So at the minute, no, nothing is going on. That’s why I was playing in the reserves the other night. I will just see what happens over the international break because if anything did happen, it probably wouldn’t be until next week anyway.”

McSheffrey said: “Obviously I need to get my career back on track. I had an injury-plagued season last year but I’m feeling fit and strong now.

“So I need to get my career back on track. If it’s going to be a loan, and I’m not wanted here, then I’d consider what’s out there.”

McSheffrey, whose only full senior games this campaign have been in the Carling Cup, enjoyed the run-out at St Andrew’s.

“First-half it was a bit of an indifferent performance, second-half I enjoyed it. I tried to play with determination,’’ he said.

‘‘First and foremost I worked hard and then things came from that.

“I thought we started the game quite sharply. We moved the ball, had some chances. They they scored against the run of play.

“We had a shaky spell then for 15-20 minutes and couldn’t really get the ball down.

“There were a few home truths from Terry Westley at half-time, some kicks up the backside, and we came out second half and they got a goal straight away, which was a bit demoralising, but the response was very good.

“We worked hard, got a couple of goals back and their goalkeeper was probably man of the match.

“It was disappointing to lose but it was good to get 90 minutes personally, and for some of the other lads as well.”