Black Impressed By Sheff

Eric Black has said he is amazed that Gary McSheffrey was able to settle as quickly as he has done and made the impact he did.

Speaking to the local press our first team coach, and McSheffrey’s former manager has said that he is amazed and delighted that McSheffrey has come into the team and contributed so much when many people thought it would take him a while to settle down and adjust to the squad.

Sheff has hit 15 goals since his £2.3 million move from Coventry back in August and although he has always been highly rated, he seems to really be hitting his potential at the Blues.

‘I was desperate for him to come here, but I didn’t imagine that he would have performed as well as he has for us, I must admit, but that’s credit to him.

‘People shouldn’t underestimate the move he made, and the circumstances. He left his home-town club for a local rival, for a big transfer fee.

‘There was pressure on him straightaway to score goals and perform and he found himself in a situation fairly early on where there was some unrest and results and performances weren’t going quite as we would have liked.

‘But he’s dealt with it all magnificently and let’s hope he continues to play as he has been so far.

‘One of the biggest things that has stood out for me is when he gets a chance.

‘Up at Newcastle in the last round, the moment that the ball came to him you just knew that he would score. He is so calm and composed in front of goal, he is never flustered.

‘That area of the pitch, it is hyper-competitive, in this division, you have got to have that threat in the forward areas and we certainly have.

‘We’ve got three of four options four our starting 11, then we’ve always got a couple to come on from the bench.

‘The players might not be happy because they all want to play. But it’s great for the manager and the club.’