Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says veteran goalkeeper Maik Taylor has every chance of winning a new contract.

The former Scotland boss told Press Association Sport: "Maik is a good pro. He is not happy being dropped because he was number one last year.

"When I came he was number three here. I wanted Maik's experience back in the side and he was brilliant last season.

"Leaving him out this season was a tough decision for me. But we have chosen to go with Joe Hart from the beginning and it is Joe's jersey to lose.

"What I do know is I have got a top class keeper ready to come in. Maik will play at Southampton. Both of them have different attributes but they are two good goalkeepers."

McLeish added: "Can Hart learn from Taylor? Definitely. Maik is a superbly honed athlete at the age of 38 and I am sure he will sign a longer contract when this one finishes.

"We gave him a new contract last season and there is no reason why he can't go on. You have seen the top keepers stay on a long time as long as they keep themselves in trim.

"The likes of Brad Friedel at Aston Villa and David James at Portsmouth are still playing at top level."