The emergence of Sebastian Larsson as a key player has contributed to De Ridder being sidelined.

But De Ridder has hit out at the perception that he is injury-prone and is baffled at his lack of first-team involvement during the past three-and-a-half months.

He said: “When Alex McLeish came in, I played in his first game at Tottenham and we won and I thought I did well. I have watched the tape back and I was described as one of Birmingham’s most dangerous players.

“Then I came on at Manchester United along with Mikael Forssell and I thought we made a difference and changed the game. But everything has altered for me 180 degrees and I am frustrated I am not involved in the squad.

“Sebastian Larsson has done very well but, although I am not the same sort of player, I believe I can still add something to the team even if it is making an impact as a substitute or on the left side.

“It is frustrating because I like the club, the city and the fans and I hope we can stay in the Premier League. But I also have to think about my own career if I am not playing.”

As regards the perception that he is injury-prone, De Ridder insisted: “I want to make it clear I have only had two injuries since coming here.

“I got a kick on the leg in the opening game at Chelsea which kept me out for six weeks and a hamstring strain in a reserve game in early April which kept me out for 10 days.

“Apart from that, there has been nothing. I am training hard and would love to be involved – but it is the manager’s decision.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Mehdi Nafti is undergoing treatment to his thigh injury in a battle to be fit for Saturday’s crunch clash at Fulham.

The Tunisia international suffered the setback during the first half of the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the weekend.