Football: Blues switch has rekindled dream for ace Pennant.

Byline: IAN CLARKSON

JERMAINE Pennant is preparing for the most important week of his career, clinging on to the hope that Blues can yet deliver his England dream.

Pennant, 22, is facing a court appearance on Tuesday after pleading guilty to drink-driving and driving while disqualified.

Chairman of Aylesbury magistrates John Jakobi warned him that he could go to prison before deferring sentence earlier this month.

But both David Gold and Steve Bruce have pleaded with the court to show leniency on Pennant's behalf, claiming that they are taking every step possible to try to rehabilitate their young star.

And, despite all his problems, Pennant has repaid their faith with some sparkling performances since he arrived at St Andrew's on loan from Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

His impact has revitalised a campaign that was threatening to fizzle out, and now the youngster wants to try to resurrect his international careerShaun Wright-Phillips has this season emerged as the main contender to replace David Beckham on England's right wing eventually.

But Pennant has recently begun to show why Arsene Wenger paid Notts County pounds 2 million for him as a 15-year-old.

And Pennant, who has won 19 caps for his country at Under-21 level, knows that this is his final opportunity to shine at Premiership level.

'I would say that this is my last chance and I am grateful to Blues for giving me that opportunity,' he said. 'If it all goes well then I will definitely look towards playing for my country.

'My main aim at the moment is just to start playing regular first-team football and, once you are doing that, you can then look to the bigger stage and playing for the national team.

'It has always been a dream of mine.' Ever since that pounds 2 million price-tag was slapped on him after his move from Notts County, Pennant has been under the media microscope.

But Pennant admits that the welcome mat has been laid out for him since his arrival in the Second CityBlues have found him an apartment and the presence of girlfriend Laura has also helped him to settle into his new surroundings.

The talented winger admits that the slate has been wiped clean at Blues and he intends to repay that faith.

'Once you get abad reputation it is hard to lose it,' he continued. 'Coming to a club like this it could go one of twoways for me. 'But the boys have been really supportive and I intend to make sure it is a positive experience for me at Blues.

'The supporters also seem to have taken to me, and I will respond to that.

'The manager has been great with me ever since I arrived and I have been made to feel welcome, which has helped me to settle in.

'He has just told me to go out there and show people what I candoon the pitch. He has backed me in every sense, which makes you feel more comfortable.

'And when that happens, you play to the best of your abilitiesPennant was in serious need of some care when he arrived at Blues after being left in the wilderness at Arsenal.

The winger finally looked to have made the breakthrough when he played the full 90 minutes of their impressive 3-1 winFA Community Shield win against Manchester United in August.

But it proved to be a false dawn and the Nottingham-born winger admitted that it was hard to take.

'It was tough as I started the first game of the season against Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium, which is a massive fixture,' he added.

'We won and I played well and did reasonably well in the next couple of games after that, too.

'To be left out for no apparent reason was a massive blow. I can understand it if you are not performing in training or not playing well, but I felt I was.

'There aren't a lot of English players at Arsenal and it was tough in the reserves, but I have a real opportunity now.'

Pennant and Walter Pandiani have been the catalyst for Blues' sudden upsurge in form and he has been impressed with what he has seenIn fact, Pennant still has not ruled out the possibility of a late push for aEuropean spot, either.

'If we carry on with our good run I am sure we can aim for Europe,' said Pennant. 'Failing that, we will definitely be in the top 10 - easily.

'Since I came we have played very well and if it is down to the new signings then I am pleased with that and it also shows great managerial skills,' he added, with a smile.

'Birmingham is a massive city and the people are friendly, but you expect that from Midlanders coming up from the Big Smoke.'

Pennant is now well schooled in dealing with the media, but confessed that it was a shock to the system when he was sold by Sam Allardyce for such a big fee six years ago.

Yet he was able to blank everything out when he stepped out on to the pitch.

'At the time I was very young and couldn't believe it when I suddenly saw myself in the papers,' continued Pennant. 'But whenyou start playing football, all of that goes away and you can concentrate on your game

CAPTION(S):

FRESH START: Blues' on-loan winger Jermaine Pennant; NATIONAL HERO: Pennant would love to make the step up from England's under-21 side to the senior team; GUILTY: Pennant at Aylesbury Magistrates Court