Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has hailed goalkeeper Maik Taylor after he turned down overtures from Liverpool to sign a new deal at St Andrews.

The 36-year-old only won his place back in the side in the second half of last season, with some solid displays restoring his reputation in a doomed Premier League campaign.

Liverpool had already made a move but Taylor decided to stay in Birmingham for one simple reason – first team football.

McLeish said: “He could easily have signed for one of the top clubs in the Premier League and taken the easy life, picking up his pension whilst sitting as a second or third choice goalkeeper.

“But Maik is determined and enthusiastic to maintain his first team place here.”

Taylor added: “It was flattering that Liverpool showed a lot of interest and of course I gave it some serious consideration.

“Liverpool could offer the Champions League and everything else, but it would have been a situation as a number two, a year’s contract as well.

“Scott Carson has gone back there now as well.

“There was talk of him going to Villa after his loan, but that has not materialised.

“I still have a big desire to play and, as long as I keep my form and fitness, that is more likely here.”