Vassell promises City fight
02 Nov 2007 - 08:49:39
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- Vassell promises City fight
Forgotten man Darius Vassell is determined to make his mark at Manchester City and prove to manager Sven-Goran Eriksson that he deserves a first-team place.
The 27-year-old former England striker has been plagued by a succession of injuries since joining the Citizens from Aston Villa in a £2million deal in 2005.
Vassell has started only one league game this season and was linked with a move to Turkish football in the last transfer window with Besiktas.
However, the Birmingham-born forward is determined to fight his way back into Eriksson's plans despite slipping behind the likes of Emile Mpenza, Rolando Bianchi and Georgios Samaras in the current pecking order.
"I am coming to the age where you have got to think about your future," he told the club's official website.
"I always said that coming to City was a big decision for me. I really want to make a mark here. I don't think I've done that yet but I still have time.
"I have got a bigger challenge staying here trying to get in the team than I would have if I went somewhere else to play more.
"But I am not afraid of that and am willing to fight for it.
"I feel I have always been given a fair crack of the whip when I've been fit and hopefully I can build on that.
"When the opportunity has arisen, the manager has given everyone a good chance and we are all grateful for that.
"Everyone is fighting for their places. That is the way it should be in a successful team."