McSheffrey: It's great to feel wanted at Forest
The striker joined on loan from promotion-chasing Birmingham last week, with the Blues refusing to allow him to join another top Championship club.
McSheffrey, who Birmingham paid Coventry £4m for, has just recovered from a knee injury but expected to be involved at St Andrews.
But after being overlooked, he is now ready to prove a point in helping Forest secure Championship safety.
And after making his debut in the 1-1 draw with Swansea at the weekend, he said: "My first impressions are really good of the manager. He is really organised, knows what he wants from his players and they are responding to that.
"It is a bad situation at Birmingham and it turns into a good one at Forest and I am happy to be here.
"I am grateful I am here because it is a great club.
"I feel I have been in the wilderness for too long and need to get back in the team, back in the mixer where I feel I belong and want to be.
"It is easy to do that where you feel wanted, without a shadow of a doubt.
"People say class is permanent but form is temporary. It is a confidence game and if you feel wanted and the manager instils you with that self-belief I am sure it will come good.
"That was my first start since September 20 so it has been a while. I feel fine, feel great and my feet are feeling a little achy but that is to be expected.
"The second half I tired a bit and was disappointed to give away a few sloppy bits of possession but they are to be expected when you are coming back."
The striker said he did not expect to start but was delighted to get 68 minutes under his belt ahead of tomorrow's game at Watford.
He added: "I felt good when I was getting on the ball, felt quite sharp and disappointed not to capitalise on a chance with a goal.
"I was not expecting to start, I was expecting to come on for half an hour but I am happy and I came through a game so I am delighted.
"That will stand me in good stead to kick on further."
Gary McSheffrey
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