Filipino international goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has emphasised the importance of turning around a poor run of home form for Birmingham City that has seen them win just three of their last 28 home games.
St. Andrew’s has been home to many weak Blues performances even before Etheridge signed from Cadiff in September, but the experienced goalkeeper has said that his team are focusing on rectifying that.
“Our away form has been good to start the season, and it’s now about taking that form into home games,” said Etheridge.
“We’ve had a conversation between ourselves and we’ve got to stop making excuses, we need to do the business at home.”
Birmingham City beat Middlesbrough 1-0 last week as Blues boss Aitor Karanka took revenge on his former side. Etheridge said that now they’re keen to push on from this and pick up some points at home.
“It was a massive step forward. We were on the front foot, we attacked well, kept the ball well, made forward runs and made the right decisions at the right times,” he said.
“We have a point to prove to ourselves, to the manager and to the supporters. We’re hard workers.
“Now it’s about moving forward to Wednesday night and backing it up with another good performance.”
It has been a rough start to the Championship campaign for the Blues, as they currently sit in 18th. Despite their position in the table, Karanka seems to have made an impression on his players already.
“I think it was a great decision from the gaffer to change things up (against Middlesbrough) and secure the points away from home.
“The manager has given confidence to the players, he’s fantastic and has the experience. He knows what he has to do to get the best out of the players and the best out of this club.
Birmingham City now have the chance to fix their home form against Preston North End on Wednesday night. With three consecutive losses to their name, Preston will also come into the fixture with plenty to prove.
