I wanted McSheffrey for Scotland, says McLeish

Published on Saturday 8 December 2007 01:14

NEW Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted he investigated the possibility of enlisting Blues midfielder Gary McSheffrey's services when he was Scotland coach.

"I had hoped there was a bit of Scottish in there, but we missed that boat," he said. "I believe Gary could qualify through his ancestry for Scotland.

"But it was too late for me because of his age. I think under FIFA rulings you've got up to 21 to make your claim and he had gone past that age.

"I think he is a good player and I knew all about Gary's fantastic ability when he was at Coventry. When he went to a Premier League club, I wasn't surprised.

"It is about Gary doing the right things and giving himself, like every other player, every chance and not having any regrets at the end of his career."

McSheffrey, meanwhile, has vowed to reproduce his best form after the midfielder admitted ending his ten-month scoring drought "lifted a huge weight off my shoulders".

McSheffrey netted his first league goal since February when he scored from the penalty spot in City's shock 3-2 win at Tottenham last weekend.

It was in stark contrast to the free-scoring form McSheffrey showed during the first half of last season after his move from Coventry.

He ended up with 16 goals in 2006-2007 but was a shadow of himself in the latter part of the campaign as the Blues gained promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

Now McSheffrey is looking to demonstrate he can be have a major impact on the Barclays Premier League ahead of today's trip to Newcastle.

He said: "That penalty at Tottenham was a huge relief and a big weight off my shoulders. I'm an attacking sort of player and when you are not scoring goals, if it doesn't affect you, you are superhuman. Last year I was scoring goals for fun at one stage and you don't think about anything. Everything comes naturally. But, if you are not scoring goals, you start thinking a lot.

"You have just got to work hard and train hard. I am a believer that if you work hard you will get your rewards and maybe last Sunday at Spurs was a little reward for the effort I have put in behind the scenes.

"I want to play at my best. I feel I have always been doing a decent job for the team effort-wise but people want to see me attacking, scoring goals and getting in crosses."

McSheffrey was one of Birmingham's star performers when they annihilated Newcastle 5-1 in an FA Cup tie at St James' Park last January although he is expecting a tougher test this time.

And he knows it is important that the City players try and silence the passionate Newcastle fans.

He said: "Everyone on the night was awesome. In the first half we took the game to them and killed it off.

"It will be different this time I am sure. They are playing for their future, and their manager's future, so everything is on the line for them."