It has been a tough start to the campaign for Birmingham City as they find themselves in the relegation zone after only one win in ten Premiership fixtures. However, they have drawn solace in reaching the last 16 of the Carling Cup after last night’s 2-1 home win over Norwich. It was their first triumph on home soil at the sixth attempt this season and helped improve the feelgood factor around the club. Jermaine Pennant grabbed his first goal of the campaign to help Birmingham on their way and, as he told givemefootbal's Ian Clarkson, the players are keeping their spirits up despite a disappointing start to the Premiership campaign.
Q:THE CLUB'S CO-OWNER HAD SOME STRONG WORDS LAST WEEK ABOUT YOUR START TO THE SEASON DIDN'T HE?
A:The chairman can say what he wants and no-one will complain. We are trying our best to turn the corner and I genuinely believe we have had some really bad luck this season and aren't playing too badly.
Q:WHAT SORT OF THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING AGAINST YOU?
A:If you take the recent defeat against our local rivals Villa as an example, then there was hardly anything between the two teams. We had a couple of good chances and were disappointed not to score and even the manager said that we didn't deserve that after the final whistle. He didn't dish out any rollicking, as Maik Taylor didn't have a save to make after the break.
Q:SO YOU DON'T FEEL AS THOUGH THERE IS TOO MUCH WRONG THEN?
A:We just need to be more clinical. That applies to everyone throughout the team, not any particular players, as it is a lack of goals that is costing us. However, no-one is downbeat and the spirit is still high in the squad. We will just have to dig a little bit deeper.
Q:HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A PLAYER LIKE NICKY BUTT BACK IN THE FOLD DURING THIS TOUGH TIME?
A:Nicky is a great player and we really missed him during his four-game absence. He possesses real quality. He works hard, tackles well and has a lot of skill; everything a top class midfielder needs really. It is great to have him back and I am sure he can help our results improve.
Q:THE TEAM HAS LOOKED NERVOUS WHEN THEY HAVE PLAYED AT ST ANDREW'S – DO YOU THINK THE WIN OVER NORWICH WILL HELP?
A:We are understandably a little bit edgy at present because we haven't been winning, but now that we have a positive result under our belt, I am sure those nerves will disappear. I know the potential we have got at the club because I see it every day in training. Some of the performances you see in five-a-side matches are unbelievable.
Q:ARE YOU MISSING YOUR RIGHT HAND SIDE PARTNER – FULL BACK MARIO MELCHIOT?
A:I formed a good partnership with Mario and we both knew when to overlap and I am sure we can carry on from where we left off when he returns. I have been pleased with my own form and I want to keep on playing like I can and hopefully help the team move forwards. Every game is a big game now but I am confident if we keep doing our jobs, the tide will turn in our favour in the end.
