Source: Team_Talk
Blues boss hails Hart progress
Hart joined Birmingham on loan from Manchester City in the summer and after a few early mistakes has played an integral role in his side's current 10-match unbeaten run.[LNB]The former Shrewsbury youngster was a worthy man of the match in Boxing Day's goalless draw at home to league leaders Chelsea and Scot McLeish believes the stopper is well worth consideration for the England number one jersey.[LNB]Asked whether his first target in the January transfer window is the permanent signature of Hart, McLeish said: "If I could and if it was a good deal, then yes.[LNB]"I think Joe has come on a ton. We started the season having spoken about one or two things and he's improved out of sight and I'm pleased for him. He's a conscientious big guy and his own worst critic.[LNB]"He studies everything and takes everything on the chin from the goalkeeping coach Dave Watson to try to improve.[LNB]"He's a guy who improves and wants to get better and better and his form has been terrific.[LNB]"I know the England coaches think a lot of him, and I think they will think even more of him now with his Birmingham performances."[LNB]Hart should be fit for Monday's clash at Stoke despite suffering a head injury against Chelsea following a challenge with Didier Drogba.[LNB]"It was a ball which was there to be won and the two were coming at boot level," said McLeish. "It is tough for goalies because they have got to dive at players' feet sometimes and you've got the added danger of studs hitting your head.[LNB]"Look what happened to big Petr Cech a couple of years ago. Joe is brave, he took charge of the situation. He'll be sore for a couple of days but he'll be fine."[LNB]Birmingham's revered defence is built around centre-half pairing Roger Johnson and Scott Dann as much as Hart, and McLeish is similarly delighted with his 'old school' duo.[LNB]"Dann and Johnson in particular just love heading balls and making tackles, they are real throwbacks," he said.[LNB]"That was part of the reason I bought them and I did some diligence on them. Speaking to people who had worked with them, coaches whom I trust in the game, and getting homework done like that is very beneficial.[LNB]"I knew when I spoke to certain people about Scott and Roger that I had to go for them."[LNB]While Premier League leaders Chelsea enjoyed the better chances at St Andrew's it was Birmingham who had the ball in the net in the first half, Christian Benitez poking it over the line and apparently being played onside by an injured Drogba only to see the flag raised against him.[LNB]McLeish was philosophical about the decision afterwards and keen to turn his attention to the trip to the Britannia Stadium.[LNB]The City boss will give a fitness tests to midfielders Sebastian Larsson and Lee Bowyer after they suffered knocks while defenders Johnson and Liam Ridgewell seemed to suffer no ill-effects after returning against Carlo Ancelotti's side.[LNB][LNB] Barclays Premier League W/out Top 4 2009/10. Click here to bet.
