Maik Taylor has vowed to fight for his first-team place at Birmingham after the arrival of Joe Hart on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The long-serving Taylor played a major role in helping Blues regain their Barclays Premier League status at the first attempt last season.

But the 37-year-old's place is under severe threat after Hart formally completed his temporary move to St Andrews on Wednesday morning.

Taylor said: "Joe Hart's name has been linked with Birmingham in the papers for a while and I have not had a problem with that.

"The gaffer (Alex McLeish) is trying to strengthen the squad in every position. I will work hard when pre-season gets under way and am more than happy to fight for my place."