Source: PA
Jerome keeping cool as battle for places hots up
Cameron Jerome has urged Birmingham's players not to get too wound up in the battle for Carling Cup final places.
Manager Alex McLeish will watch his players for one last time in Saturday's home FA Cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday before deciding the City side to face Arsenal at Wembley on February 27.
Striker Jerome is amongst those uncertain whether he will play after the arrival of on-loan Obafemi Martins, who has replaced him for the last two matches. But the former England Under-21 player believes it will do no-one any good if they put too much pressure on themselves in the bid to clinch a final spot.
Jerome told Press Association Sport: "To be honest, if you get picked for the FA Cup game, it is about going out there and playing your game. You can't think too far ahead. It would be nice to play in a cup final but you can't take things for granted in football and you've got to earn your place.
"I'm sure you will do that in training. The lads will be looking to do that in training and in matches. But it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself."
Jerome added: "It is just another game, play with a smile on your face and work hard, and hopefully you will get picked (for the final). I think if you put too much pressure on yourself you will probably put in a bad performance."
