Fowler: I'm not the player I was

Robbie Fowler has admitted his game has gone into decline and he is low on confidence.

After a stint at Leeds following his departure from Liverpool, the 29-year-old striker arrived at Manchester City anxious to get back on track.

But with only seven league goals last season and one this campaign he is struggling to rediscover the form that saw him win 26 caps for England.

That lack of self-belief was apparent in midweek when he missed a clear chance that would have given City at least a point at Birmingham.

“I would not say I am finished as a player but I am obviously not the player I was,” he told BBC GMR.

“It is up to me to try to get to that place again. I know it is going to be difficult but I will keep trying. That’s all I can do.

“As a forward you are judged on goals. When you are not scoring your confidence does tend to dip.

“Personally if I am not scoring, my confidence does go. That’s just part and parcel of being me.

“Every player is different and I cannot change the way I am.

“When I score goals my confidence is high, when I am not it is quite low.

“I missed a very good chance (against Birmingham). I mistimed it. If that had gone in we were looking at a different game but my confidence dipped.”

Fowler also claimed he has no problems with strike partner Nicola Anelka after reports they do not get on.

“We don’t go out and socialise a lot but Nicolas is a great player. I am not a bad player and good players can play with anyone regardless of who is up front.

“We have made strides forward – we do talk to each other a lot on the pitch - and we can get better.

“I am sure we can get a few more goals this season. It does look quite promising.”

Manager Kevin Keegan looks set to recall defender Richard Dunne for the game against Charlton tomorrow.

Dunne could be back in the middle with Danny Mills reverting to right-back and replacing Sun Jihai.

Steve McManaman could also come into contention after an Achilles injury while former PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus is likely to be on the bench.

City have lost two out of their opening three games and Keegan said: “We are at home and it is there where we going to try to lay the foundations of a good season.

“That’s what the supporters expect and the players have to go out there and play to their full potential.

“It is more important that the fans are behind the team, than me. They are the ones who have to go out there and perform.

“Our performances have not been as bad as the results. With a couple of wins we could be in the top half of the table and that has to be our aim.”