[goldenHuddlestone]

Striker Cameron Jerome insists his more relaxed approach to Birmingham's games in the Premier League has seen him find the net more.

The former Cardiff City frontman, who cost the Blues £3million in summer 2006, finally found his feet towards the back end of the promotion campaign and has carried it into the top flight with three goals to his credit so far this term. And, he claims a personal effort not to get too tense before matches has played a key part in his upturn in fortunes.

Jerome, whose good form has been rewarded with a call up to the England Under-21 squad, told the Birmingham Mail: "I'm definitely more relaxed than I was before when I go out there now. The last few games of last season did my confidence a world of good and I've carried on from there.

"I just tried to concentrate on what I'm good at and I scored a couple of goals which helped us get promotion.

"And when I got my chance this season I went about it the same way and, so far, I feel I've done okay.

"I think when you go out there and you're tense, you don't play as well. It has a bad affect on you. I believe I'm performing freely, enjoying myself and it's paying off."

Blues boss Steve Bruce has responded to Jerome's good form by challenging him to find at least 15 goals in the Premiership this season.

"I saw what he said and it's quite a challenge he laid down," added Jerome. "But it's a nice challenge.

"It's something I've definitely had in my head since the start, to get into double figures at least.

"Goals win games really and if you can get someone scoring them regularly, it's huge for the team. Hopefully it will be me, it's what I'm going to try and do."