Blues play waiting game on Hart

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish believes his hope of retaining Joe Hart for a second season will hinge on whether Manchester City make the Champions League.

Goalkeeper Hart has been in outstanding form for Blues during his current season-long loan at St Andrew's and has played a major role in establishing them back in the Premier League.

McLeish is keen to retain the services of a player who has put himself in strong contention to be a part of Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

But the Blues boss may have to look elsewhere if City finish in the top four and qualify for football's leading club competition.

He said: "We do intend to speak to Joe, his father and his agent in the coming weeks. I believe the club have made contact with Manchester City to try and get a meeting to see where they see Joe's future next season.

"It is a massive position for us and that is why I would like to get City's nod of approval for Joe to come again next season, so we know what we are doing.

"I do need to make my plans for next season. If it looks like it's going to be a last-minute job and the answer will be a positive, then we'll do that, but it would be nice to know what City's thoughts are.

"I guess Roberto Mancini and his staff have got to have a good think about it as well. Who knows, if they are in the Champions' League next season then they might feel they need two top-class goalkeepers."

McLeish insists no decision will be made on any of Birmingham's out-of-contract players - including veteran striker Kevin Phillips - until the end of the season.

Phillips would like to remain at St Andrew's for another season, despite having been used mainly as a substitute during the current campaign.

But the manager said: "I'm not going to discuss anyone's future until the end of the season. It is important the players focus and give me everything they have got every day in training and save their talking for Saturday afternoons.

"Kevin Phillips is a hugely influential player who has scored some vital goals for us, but nothing will be discussed on contracts and futures until May - and the players will be the first to know."

McLeish reiterated that he is content with the way his own contract talks are developing, although they are not top of his priorities at present.

He said: "We are ticking along. My advisors are trying to find a moment to meet the owners. I don't foresee any problems, but we haven't discussed the nitty-gritty of any deal yet.

"It is not the be-all-and-end-all, it is not a priority for me at present. I just want to keep the players in a winning mentality."