Birmingham City FC

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Johnson calls for Hart stay

14 Jan 2010 - 10:36:44

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Birmingham City central defender Roger Johnson has urged his club to ensure that goalkeeper Joe Hart remains at St Andrew's next season.

Hart has impressed since joining the Blues on a season-long loan from Manchester City and is in contention for a place in England's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Johnson said: "The boys would welcome Joe on loan for another season, if not to sign permanently.

"He is a good lad, nice to have around, works hard, plays well, so, yes, it would be a great signing for us.

"Hopefully it will happen. As long as we have got him that is the main thing.

"It is tough to find a keeper who does well week in and week out, so I am pretty sure that will be the gaffer's number one to sort out.

"Joe is doing well and is keeping us in a few games. That is what he gets paid for and he has made some good saves in recent weeks."

Hart, 22, started his career with Shrewsbury Town, before joining the Citizens in the summer of 2006,however, his first-team prospects at Eastlands were hit by the signing of Shay Given almost exactly a year ago.