Source: Team_Talk
Zigic desperate to win over fans
Striker Nikola Zigic has vowed to win over the Birmingham fans ahead of tomorrow's home Premier League clash with Blackpool.[LNB] The Serbia international has struggled to adapt to the top flight in England since City manager Alex McLeish signed him from Valencia during the summer in a £6million deal.[LNB]Zigic received a negative reaction from a section of supporters when brought on as a substitute during City's last home match with Everton three weeks ago before the international break.[LNB]But he responded by scoring his first Premier League goal when given a rare start in last weekend's encounter with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.[LNB]Now he is hoping to build on that by impressing in front of his own fans at St Andrew's against Ian Holloway's side.[LNB]Zigic said: "I still feel I do have to work a bit harder to win the fans over.[LNB]"I do try my hardest all the time and I will continue to do so.[LNB]"Hopefully more and more will get on my side as I play better and score more goals.[LNB]"But I do feel I have to (produce) a little bit more from myself.[LNB]"I want to do well for the supporters. It's always in my mind and I am aware there is a little bit more work to be done to win them over."[LNB]Zigic admitted: "It was a great delight to score my first league goal. It certainly has boosted my confidence.[LNB]"It was a long time coming but I was delighted to get it. I am really trying hard to get the confidence going and it has helped me immensely.[LNB]"When I first came I did find it a bit of a struggle to get to the pace of the game. But the longer I have played the more I have got used to it.[LNB]"I have been working hard to get adjusted and I feel it is coming along very well.[LNB]"I don't really have a problem with the physicality of the game. It is pretty similar all across Europe.[LNB]"I was told it was a little bit more physical here, but I don't have a problem. Again, it's just a case of getting used to it."[LNB]Birmingham's Achilles heel when playing in the Premier League has always been the lack of goals but Zigic is optimistic that trend can be reversed.[LNB]He said: "I think everything will be okay. I am aware of Birmingham having that problem, but I will try my hardest to score as many as I can.[LNB]"It's a team effort. Hopefully the rest of the lads will pitch in and we will avoid that problem.[LNB]"Everybody is playing hard, everybody is playing together as a team. I am fairly confident that it will happen, as the season progresses."[LNB]Zigic is taking nothing for granted regarding the Blackpool game as Blues look to bounce back from losing their first home game for 13 months, against Everton.[LNB]He said: "I am aware of some of the latest Blackpool results and I'm certainly not taking them for granted.[LNB]"I'm not expecting a walkover just because they have come up to the Premier League this season.[LNB]"It will be a tough game but every game in the Premier League is.[LNB]"The good thing is that we are playing at home, in front of our own fans, and that will help us a great deal."[LNB]Former Rangers boss McLeish has praised the impact made for Blackpool by record signing Charlie Adam since his move from Ibrox two seasons ago.[LNB]He said: "Blackpool have been a breath of fresh air. They have been great to watch. Their performances have been excellent.[LNB]"I know Charlie very well. He has had a couple of tremendous seasons at Blackpool. He has stepped up to the Premier League and he has not been found wanting. He has been a star.[LNB]"We know Charlie has got the ability to cause damage. He has got a tremendous shot on him, he has got good dead ball expertise.[LNB]"He is a great passer of the ball. He has really blossomed as a player and I am really proud of him."
