Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is convinced on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart must go to the World Cup with England.

McLeish remains keen to finalise a permanent deal with Manchester City for Hart.

He said: "Joe's been a top goalkeeper all season.

"It's a position of huge importance. If you get the right man he can make the difference of maybe 12 or 15 points in a season. What that can do to a team who is supposed to be fighting relegation is huge.

"I've not given up hope on him being here next season but I don't know. It's up to City. It's their decision and they don't have to make a statement just yet.

"England like Joe. Goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence told me that before the season started but said that he must be playing.

"Now he's played, I think he's impressed everybody."