Zigic wants to be Birmingham derby hero

Nikola Zigic has set his sights on becoming a hero with Birmingham fans by scoring the winner in Sunday's derby at Aston Villa.

The Serbia striker has received a mixed reviews from Blues supporters since his £6million summer move from Valencia.

But the 30-year-old knows his stock will rise immediately should he help City end a run of six successive defeats against their local rivals.

Zigic told Press Association Sport: "I have heard of the Birmingham City-Aston Villa rivalry and I have actually seen a couple of games on TV.

"I am looking forward to it. I really don't want to talk about the opposition. I don't think that's right and I don't want to get involved in any anti-Aston Villa campaign.

"But I am aware I could become an instant hero. Of course I am. It's like every derby the world over.

"It's a normal situation. I remember my days when I was playing in the Belgrade derby. It's exactly the same thing.

"So, if you do score, especially a winner, you are a hero for life. It is something I am well aware of."

Zigic has netted in Birmingham's last two Barclays Premier League games against Arsenal and Blackpool.

But he admits: "I still feel I do have to work to win the supporters over.

"I do try my hardest all the time and I will continue to do so.

"Hopefully more and more fans will get on my side as I play better and score more.

"But I do feel I have to have a little bit more to come from myself. I want to do well for the fans."