O’Connor out to impress for Birmingham stay

Birmingham City striker Garry O’Connor has vowed to return a different player this season.

The striker has bagged two in two for Blues to maintain a 100 per cent record on this Far East tour for Alex McLeish’s men.

Having bagged a late winner against a Hong Kong League XI on Sunday, O’Connor coolly slotted home a Cameron Jerome lay-off in the 82nd minute against Beijing Guoan to seal a 1-0 victory.

“This tour is just a fitness thing for me and the team,” O’Connor told the Birmingham Mail following the victory over Beijing.

“We were fortunate to win, it was quite an open game but pre-season is just about fitness.

“However, getting a winning mentality is a good thing to have.

“I know my ability, I’ve just got to stay injury free because it’s been a hard couple of seasons for me with injuries.

“Fingers crossed that’s the last of it. My hips and my body feel the best it’s felt for about five years. I think the fans and the coaches are all going to see a different player.

“My main goal this season is to stay around the squad, hopefully I’ll get a few games. I know the gaffer likes me so I’ve just got to stay in there.”

 
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