Birmingham boss Alex McLeish feels Joe Hart should concentrate on retaining the number one spot knowing a place at the World Cup might be his reward. Hart has joined Birmingham on a year-long loan from Manchester City in an effort to gain greater experience.

McLeish selected Hart ahead of Maik Taylor for Birmingham's narrow defeat at Manchester United.

"I know Joe's ambition is to go to the World Cup," he said. "What better incentive could he have?

"I have spoken to the English coaching staff. They like Joe, rate him highly and want him to do well.

"We know he is short of a bit of experience at first-team level but we are giving him that platform.

"Now it is up to Joe to keep the jersey."