Birmingham central defender Martin Taylor has set his sights on staying in the side and remaining with the midlands club on a long-term basis.

Taylor's days looked numbered when new manager Alex McLeish told the former Blackburn player he was surplus to requirements and he went on loan to Norwich.

Taylor, who signed a new three-year contract last May, said: "Obviously football is a funny game and whilst I was training at Birmingham, I was always in and around the first team.

"All I could do was show what I was capable of in training and in reserve games. With Jaidi going away to the ANC, there are less centre-halves here.

"I just wanted to show the manager what I could do. I've now got a chance and hopefully I can stay in the team for a bit and show what I can do.

"Am I expecting to move on or do I want to stay here? Of course, I want to stay here. I need to play football. You cannot be sitting on the sidelines all season.

"That is one of the reasons why I went to Norwich in the first place and it did me good. It got me first team games at a good standard and I'm glad I did that.

"I might have been a bit more rusty against Derby if I hadn't done that. I am contracted to Birmingham, I enjoy being here and I just want to stay in the side."