Shroot relishes Birmingham debut

Shroot is disappointed his debut ended in an FA Cup defeat

Birmingham City midfielder Robin Shroot was thrilled to make his first-team debut for the club on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old joined Blues this month after leaving Harrow Borough and played in the 2-0 FA Cup defeat by Wolves.

"I enjoyed every single moment of it, I was just disappointed we didn't win," the former AFC Wimbledon player said.

"I just have to get out and enjoy myself really, get on the ball as much as I can and play with a smile on my face," he told BBC WM.

I should've scored - if I'd gone high I would've scored but Hennessey's made a great save

Birmingham debutant Robin Shroot

Shroot impressed Blues boss Alex McLeish in a trial spell after spending the early part of the season with Borough.

He hopes the manager will be happy with his debut outing.

"I hope so, I hope he was. It's brilliant to play for him so I just try to enjoy myself and work very hard every day," said the Northern Ireland under-21 international.

His first game could have been capped off with a goal, a late shot turned wide by Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

"Oh yeah, I should've scored," Shroot reflected. "I got on the wrong side of the defender. If I'd gone high I would've scored but Hennessey's made a great save to be fair."

The youngster, who officially signed a two-and-a-half year contract earlier this month, faces real competition to claim a place in McLeish's plans for the Championship run-in.

New signings Lee Bowyer, Hameur Bouazza and Scott Sinclair were not eligible for the Cup tie, but all three could figure in Saturday's league game against Cardiff at St Andrew's.