David Bentley has vowed to prove that he still has the talent to be a Premier League success after completing a loan switch to Birmingham from Tottenham for the remainder of the season.
Bentley cost £15 million when he moved from Blackburn to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2008 but a lack of first-team opportunities has led to the 26-year-old making the temporary switch to the Midlands.
"It has been a difficult time for me the last couple of years," Bentley said. "I found it hard not being involved as much as I wanted at Tottenham. They have got some great players and you can find yourself the wrong side of the fence.
"But there was no fall-out with Harry Redknapp and it is time to put things aside, move on - and hopefully I can have a positive effect on Birmingham. The aim is to resurrect my career and I love football and just want to have the chance to be playing.''
"My relationship with Harry is fine and it is difficult when you have an abundance of talent (to pick from). I did get back in the team last year but then you have got someone like Aaron Lennon doing so well and the team is winning every week.
"It has been a difficult time, being out of the team, and there are so many great players there. But it is time to put those times aside and hopefully I can have a positive effect on Birmingham. This is my club for the next six months and hopefully the qualities I've got will come through.
Bentley insists the perception of him being a laid-back character who enjoys life should not be mistaken as meaning he does not care deeply for football.
"I do care about things," he said. "People sometimes get this perception of me, that I'm a big-time Charlie. But that is not the case. I love playing football. I left Arsenal to play football. I went to Tottenham, not for the money, but with the best intentions of pushing on in my career.
"Everyday I wake up, I do think how lucky I am. There is nothing better than playing football. I appreciate what I have got.''
Bentley is likely to make his first appearance in Sunday's home derby with Aston Villa. He said: "I hear it is quite a passionate affair and that there is great rivalry between the two clubs.''
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish wants Bentley to ensure actions speak louder than words after confirming he will be included in the squad for Sunday's home derby with Aston Villa.
"He has great quality and he is at an age where he has taken stock and it is time for him to show the quality which led to him playing for England. It is time for his boots to do the talking. Ron Atkinson always used to say 'don't tell me, show me.''
McLeish remains hopeful Rangers striker Kenny Miller will make the move to Blues in the next 24 hours. But winger Sebastian Larsson's move to Newcastle looks in doubt after the player failed to agree terms.
"Newcastle made a bid but I don't think Seb could agree terms so he is still a Birmingham player.''
Larsson played alongside Bentley at Arsenal as a youngster before the duo moved to attain regular first-team football.
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