Melchiot makes Blues pledge
Birmingham full-back Mario Melchiot insists he will not be looking to quit the club during the January transfer window.
Melchiot, currently recovering from a thigh injury, has been the subject of speculation linking him away from St Andrews next month.
The former Chelsea player still has to sort out his long-term future and his current two-year deal expires in the summer.
But the Holland international is concentrating on the present and wants to play a major part in keeping Blues in the top flight in the next five months.
Melchiot, in an interview in the club’s monthly magazine, said: “I’m going nowhere. All I want to do is focus on doing well for this club and I can’t afford to let any distractions affect my performance.
“All I am worried about right now is getting fit and helping Birmingham City win matches.
“I know that a lot of people in Birmingham are worried about our current league position and they fear we are in big trouble but I’m not worried.
“I am 100% convinced we will turn our season around and get out of trouble. I have no doubts whatsoever that Birmingham City will be a Premiership club next season.
“As players, we now have to stand up and be counted. When things are going well it’s easy to look good.
“During bad times the best players respond and produce great things. We all have to show we are good players by performing under this type of pressure. It’s a test for us.”
Melchiot has been frustrated by his spate of injuries in recent months. He said: “I’ve never had a run of injuries like this in my entire career, it’s so frustrating.
“I can’t remember picking up as many small injuries in one season. But I still feel confident the team can pull things round. I don’t think we’ll be there in a couple of months and that’s probably because of the confidence at the club.
“We all need to keep a positive outlook despite our disappointments and hope to turn things around.”
