Taylor keen to stay at Blues
Maik Taylor wants extend his stay at Birmingham when his current contract ends this summer – even though he has lost his first-team spot to on-loan Joe Hart.
The Northern Ireland keeper played a key role in helping City gain promotion to the Barclays Premier League last season.
But he has made only one top-flight start during the current campaign when Hart was unable to play against his parent club, Manchester City.
Blues boss Alex McLeish is hoping Hart will be able to extend his stay at St. Andrew’s for at least another season but Taylor is still keen to remain at the midlands club.
Taylor said: “It has been frustrating because, as a professional, everybody wants to play but unfortunately, as a goalkeeper, only one player can take that position.
“At the moment Joe has got the jersey and is doing fantastically well which is making it extremely difficult for me to get into the team.
“But it would be great if I can continue at Birmingham. I will have to sit down with the club at some stage and still feel I have got a lot to offer on the playing front.
“In the only league game I played, against Manchester City, I was really pleased with my own performance.
“I would prefer to be in the team but, should Joe’s form dip over time, hopefully the manager would be fair to me and give me my opportunity.
“Other than not being in the team, I am absolutely happy with everything. My family are settled so it would be great to continue at Birmingham.”
Taylor believes Hart’s current form will bolster his chances of being part of the England World Cup squad in South Africa in June.
He said: “I have the utmost respect for Joe and he is certainly doing himself the world of good in terms of going to the World Cup this summer. He is a great lad and works extremely hard.”
