Taylor has a role to play for Blues
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish believes long-serving goalkeeper Maik Taylor will earn a new contract at the end of the season - despite losing his place.
The 37-year-old Northern Ireland international is into his sixth season at St Andrew's, but has been dislodged from the No 1 spot by season-long loan arrival Joe Hart from Manchester City.
But Blues will give Taylor a much-needed start in tonight's Carling Cup at League One Southampton, and rest Hart ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Tottenham.
And McLeish has told his veteran keeper not to think his time at the club is coming to a close.
He said: "Maik is a good pro. He is not happy being dropped because he was number one last year. When I came he was number three here, but I wanted his experience back in the side and he was brilliant last season.
"Leaving him out this season was a tough decision for me. But we have chosen to go with Joe from the beginning and it's his jersey to lose.
"What I do know is I have got a top class keeper ready to come in. Maik will play at Southampton. Both of them have different attributes but they are two good goalkeepers."
McLeish believes the 14-year pro can benefit Hart's development from his vast experience, and show him the way to a long, successful career.
The Blues boss also has tipped the former Southampton and Fulham keeper to follow the lead of Villa's Brad Friedel and Portsmouth's England No 1 David James, who are both pushing 40 and still playing at the highest level.
He said: "Can Hart learn from Taylor? Definitely. Maik is a superbly honed athlete at the age of 37 and I am sure he will sign a longer contract when this one finishes.
"We gave him a new contract last season and there is no reason why he can't go on. You have seen the top keepers stay on a long time as long, as they keep themselves in trim.
"The likes of Brad Friedel at Aston Villa and David James at Portsmouth are still playing at the top level."
