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20
Sat, Apr

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Chris Birchall believes a surge in confidence has provided the underlining factor behind the Sky Blues' recent resurgence.


The creative midfielder, who is yet to start under Iain Dowie but has played a creditable role from the substitute's bench, reckons City's new boss has instilled a new self-belief amongst the players and has set his sights on three points from Sunday's local derby clash at high-flying Birmingham.

"If we were playing Birmingham two months ago I think we might have feared going there," said the Trinidad & Tobago international to Sky Blues World.

"They were at the top of the league and playing some good football whereas we couldn't buy a win.

"But its all about confidence - the manager has made a big difference in that and now the lads are eager to get into the team and we don't panic when in possession of the ball.

"So we'll go to St Andrews with the same attitude we've had in the last six matches and hopefully we can get another three points, which I think is well within our reach.

The 22-year-old star has also targeted a return to the side before the end of the season after admitting to his frustration at having to watch from the dugout.

He added: "When I came to the club it was an amazing first few months for me. I was playing in the team week in-week out and felt really fit after coming straight from the World Cup.

"At the moment I'm coming off the bench and don't feel quite at that level but I have spoken to the gaffer and he said some pleasing things so hopefully I can keep working hard and force my way back in."