McPhail takes responsibility for City slump

"I know that the ball passes through me more than most players and it's up to me to make the most of that possession," he told the Echo.

"I know I'm not playing well and I need to step up my game.

"There is no getting away from it, I have felt the pressure.

"This is totally down to me. The more I seem to try to get things going for the team the worse it seems to get. I'm not making excuses, I know the buck stops with me.

"I have the responsibility to get this team ticking again and maybe it is a case of me trying too hard.

"I have looked at my game over and over and maybe when I'm coming deep for the ball to get things started I'm slowing the flow of the game down."

McPhail scored his first City goal this season and will continue in the centre of the park with Gavin Rae when City face Hull on Saturday.