Manchester City reserve keeper Joe Hart has agreed to a season long loan deal with Birmingham after being frozen out at Eastlands. The England Under-21 international, regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game, will spend the 2009/10 season with the Premier League newcomers.
Hart told Man City's official website: "It has been tough. It's frustrating, but there's only one person can play in goal and Shay's (Given) doing that at the moment.
"I've had to deal with it the best I can. It's not been ideal, but it's not the end of the world."
City boss Mark Hughes believes all parties will benefit from Hart's move.
He added: "I have always said that Joe is a really good young keeper, and his talent was obvious to (goalkeeping coach) Kevin Hitchcock and I from the outset.
"His contribution to the team prior to Shay Given's arrival was fantastic, but by loaning him to Birmingham, he will add invaluable experience to that already gained here at City.
"I know he will relish the prospect of regular Premier League action, which is vital at this stage in his career."