Brum boss hails on-loan keeper

Alex McLeish has praised on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart and wants the Englishman to help Birmingham launch an attack on the Premier League big-guns next season.

The Manchester City keeper has made a great impact at St Andrews this season after leaving Manchester City to get first-team action as he was forced to play understudy to Shay Given.

Hart has given his career a real boost with some outstanding performances, helping McLeish’s team to battle to eighth in the Premier League. This included a club record of 15 matches unbeaten before Chelsea ended that run in January.

McLeish has said he would love to get Hart on a permanent deal, but if that was not possible then another season-long loan would be welcomed. The 22-year-old’s efforts mean the Blues’ defensive record this season is only bettered by Aston Villa, Manchester United and Premier League leaders Chelsea.

“Joe loves his team-mates here, he loves the club and the ambience. When you have the feelgood factor, the players can give their best and play without fear,” said the Scot.
“If I can’t get Hart permanently, would I settle for another loan season? Yes.”

The football odds suggested that Birmingham would struggle this season, but the goalkeeper and his team-mates have managed to confound expectations.

Meanwhile, Kevin Phillips, who is at the opposite end of his career to Hart, recently said he believes he can still help Birmingham’s Premier League aspirations this season by getting some vital goals.

The 36-year-old came off the bench to score two goals to help his side beat Wolves and wants to appear more regularly for McLeish between now and the end of the season.

Birmingham face Fulham away next and although the Premier League odds suggest the Blues might struggle, a win is not out of the question.