Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson hopes they can sign permanently on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Hart's form has been so outstanding that Blues boss Alex McLeish believes he is a major contender to be the England number one at the World Cup.

Johnson has echoed those sentiments, and also knows the importance to City of keeping hold of the former Shrewsbury player for at least another 12 months.

He said: "The boys would welcome Joe on loan for another season if not to sign permanently. Definitely.

"He is a good lad, nice to have around, works hard, plays well, so, yes, it would be a great signing for us.

"Hopefully it will happen. As long as we have got him (even if on loan again) that is the main thing.

"It is tough to find a keeper who does well week in and week out so I am pretty sure that will be the gaffer's number one to sort out

"Joe is doing well and is keeping us in a few games. That is what he gets paid for and he has made some good saves in recent weeks."