I have always been my biggest critic, so I would have to say that 2003 has only been an average year for me. I know in my heart I have not played as well as I can. I set myself high standards, and at times I have met them, but not enough to really satisfy me.

 

It has been a year of change for me as well. It was disappointing to leave Blackburn after so many years there, but I am really enjoying myself at Birmingham. The highlight of the last year was undoubtedly making this fresh start at St Andrews.

 

I felt honoured that the club were prepared to pay so much money for me. Steve Bruce is a great manager, and I really want to repay him at Birmingham over the coming year. I think I started the season well here, but since then I haven’t been as consistent as I would have liked.

 

My aim for 2004 is to qualify for Europe with Birmingham. At the moment, if we win our game in hand, we would go back up to joint fourth in the table. Having got in to Europe with Blackburn last season, I have no doubt Birmingham are good enough to do the same this season.

 

We were all relieved to end our bad run of form with a battling victory at Leicester last week. It was then a shame the weather stopped us building on it against Middlesbrough. Taking a look at our Christmas fixtures, Manchester City at home on Boxing Day and away at Everton two days later, our aim has to be to take 6 points.

 

My other ambition for the New Year is to get back in to the England squad. I realise it is going to be very tough, but I hope I can pick up some momentum and make it in time for Euro 2004. It is a settled squad at the moment, so there are probably only a couple of places up for grabs, and I am determined to get one of them.

 

Of course, I am looking forward to Christmas. My family are all coming down to stay with me. We’ll open some presents in the morning, then I’ll to go off to training and rejoin them afterwards for lunch. Obviously, I can’t stuff myself with a game the next day, I haven’t been able to do that since I was about fifteen, but we’ll all have a great time.