Hat-trick hero Mikael Forssell has revealed his delight at being given a run in the Blues starting line-up.
Birmingham hit-man hoping to hold off competition
Hat-trick hero Mikael Forssell is hoping his performance over Tottenham will see him stamp down a regular place in the Blues' starting line-up.
The former Chelsea striker feared he would not get the opportunity in Birmingham's 4-1 demolition of Spurs after he was sacrificed as an early substitute in the previous fixture against Arsenal.
Martin Taylor's third minute red card saw Alex McCleish replace Forssell in order to bring on Stuart Parnaby to fill the defensive vacancy - and the Finland striker admitted his delight at being given the opportunity in the following game.
"Obviously I haven't been playing week-in week-out and against Arsenal with everything happening - we got a great point but the beginning of the game was disappointing with me getting substituted," Forssell told
Sky Sports News.
"I just wanted another chance and I was really happy that I knew I was going to start against Spurs and to get a hat-trick was the crown on the top."
Healthy competition
The 26-year-old hopes his 'perfect hat-trick' against Tottenham will see him rewarded with a regular run as Birmingham look to ensure their Premier League status.
"There are some great strikers at the club and we are all fighting for a place," he said.
"We are all trying to make an impression on the gaffer, obviously it was one good game for me, but I know I have to deliver otherwise I will be out of the team.
With James McFadden in fine form, and Cameron Jerome, Gary O'Connor and Mauro Zarate all vying for places - Forssell admits the competition for places is fierce.
"There is pressure but it is also healthy pressure because I think all strikers perform better when people want your place," he said.
"For me the most important thing is keeping fit and I just need and want a consecutive run of games.
"Obviously I need to put in good performances - that is what is required and that is what I'm trying to do."
