Feeney: Give me a chance

TOUGH TIMES... Athletic frontman Warren Feeney is yet to score in npower League One this season.

WARREN Feeney is not writing off this season just yet.

While admitting that the campaign up to this point has been a personal nightmare, the 30-year-old striker reckons he can still prove his worth given a string of opportunities in the side.

The Northern Ireland man arrived at Boundary Park to quite a fanfare in July, but international call-ups, injuries and a loss of form have all contributed to a 2010-11 season to forget in an Athletic shirt.

Yet to score a goal in npower League One this term, Feeney — who was also wanted by Athletic’s rivals Carlisle United and Charlton Athletic last summer — has attracted catcalls from some disappointed fans.

But he is experienced enough to block that out and the desire remains to prove his doubters wrong.

“I am very disappointed with the way things have gone for me this season, there is no doubt about it,” said the former Luton and Cardiff forward, who has another year to run on his contract. “I feel I need a run of games.

“I have played at a higher level and when things aren’t going right and criticism comes my way, it is water off a duck’s back.

“I know what I can do and that if I am not playing well how I can benefit the team by working hard. I am a big believer in that.

“I just want to play and to help the team do well.”

Athletic face the toughest of opponents in League One high-flyers Brighton at Boundary Park on Saturday, having not won in the last nine fixtures.

Despite the abject form, Feeney is confident that the right systems are in place at the club to put things right and that Gus Poyet’s men shouldn’t take anything for granted this weekend.

“It is a hard spell we are going through at the moment, but we showed people what we are capable of earlier on this season,” he added.

“People won’t see it, but we are all in every day working hard for each other and everyone is determined to get out of the situation we are in.

“This sort of run happens with all teams at some stage.

“I think that here, we have the right coaching staff and manager in place on a day-to-day basis.

“It is all about belief. I know Brighton are flying at the top but I don’t think there is anything in the league at all between top and bottom.

“All the teams are beatable and we have coped against everyone we have played.”

Feeney will miss Athletic’s home game with Tranmere Rovers on Monday, March 28, as a result of Northern Ireland Euro 2012 qualifying commitments.

He travels in the squad to meet Serbia on Saturday, March 25, and then faces Slovenia in Belfast four days later.

“There are no big-time Charlies in the squad and everyone works their socks off for each other,” Feeney said of his international colleagues.

“Over the years, there have been a few players selected who haven’t necessarily been getting games for their clubs.

“It is the highest level you can play at.”