Birmingham City: It's all to play for in Europa League, says Nikola Zigic

Oct 1 2011 By Colin Tattum

NIKOLA Zigic believes that Birmingham City can make waves in Europe this season.

The defeat of NK Maribor kept their hopes of qualification from Group H very much alive.

Blues play Club Bruges in Belgium next, who top the standings after their shock defeat of SC Braga in Portugal.

Blues could have done with a Braga triumph, in all truth, but it's still all to play for on October 20 and then in the return against Bruges at St Andrew's on November 3.

“I think so, we can get through,” said the striker. “We will try our best. This is a good competition, with good teams. But we have a chance, yes.

“It was a quite nice victory - and it was important to get our first three points in the group.

“I felt we played very good overall. We only had one mistake, when Maribor scored the goal. But after that we made up for it.”

Blues go to Nottingham Forest in the Championship on Sunday in good mood, Zigic added.

“We now have the confidence for that,” said Zigic, who is edging closer to a start following recovery from groin surgery.

“After my injury, I feel good and I will keep waiting for the next chance. On the pitch, I gave my maximum to help the team, as I always do.”

Zigic's impact as a substitute in Blues last three matches has been significant.