McLeish keen to keep Hart at Blues

(GSM) – Alex McLeish has told Birmingham chief executive Michael Dunford to step up attempts to keep keeper Joe Hart at St Andrew’s for at least another season.

Hart is on loan from Manchester City and has played a major part in Blues establishing themselves in the top 10 of the Barclays Premier League and reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Joe Hart has admitted he was left frustrated at Manchester City. That’s why he jumped at the chance of joining Blues on a season-long loan. Hart, 22, has no chance of displacing City’s first-choice Shay Given and has reluctantly decided his future is elsewhere.

McLeish said, “We spoke to City a couple of months ago. Joe has had no contact from them and we’ve had no contact. But I know I have put into the system that our chief executive should be talking to City about next season.”

He continued, “If I can’t get Hart permanent, would I settle for another loan season? Yes.”

“Joe loves his team mates, he loves the club, the ambience. When you have a feel good factor, then players can give of their best form and play without fear.”

“We have ironed out a few rough edges and I hope City recognize that and give us a bit of goodwill for next season – if you are listening Man City.”

He added, “Sometimes you can learn under different coaches and maybe do things different ways. We would like to think we have definitely improved Joe with some of the stuff we have worked on.”

Hart has been in such impressive form for McLeish that he has even recommended his name for World cup in England squad. It seems as he will have to face strong competition from Ben Foster who is in tremendous form, but the Manchester City keeper’s place is now in jeopardy.