Blues striker Bent has a point to prove

Blues striker Marcus Bent is determined to show that he can hold his own with other strikers in the Premier League next season.

Bent has been linked with a move away from St Andrews from the moment the club secured promotion to the top flight last season with a lot of people saying that he would not be able to hack it in the Premiership.

But the striker has two years left on his contract and is determined to see it out at Birmingham and answer his critics.

He told the Birmingham Mail: ‘My eyes weren’t closed last season. I know that several people weren’t happy with me. Certain people wanted more out of me.

‘Was that fair or unjust? Personally I don’t think I played enough to get myself going. But that’s just the way it worked out.

‘We have a big squad and I, more than anyone, want to succeed and do better. Whether that means I’m going to be at the club or somewhere else, I don’t know.’

Bent added: ‘I’ve two years left of my contract. I signed for Birmingham because I wanted to play in the Premier League and to help them get there.

‘That’s what we achieved. I don’t want to move anywhere else but I’m not going to shy away from anything that is being said because football is football.

‘Right now I’m happy at Birmingham and determined to show what I can do.

‘I’m big and ugly enough to deal with any criticism. I’m just trying to work hard to get into the side in the Premier League where I know I can play and score goals.’