Source: Daily_Mail
Maik Taylor's Birmingham City diary - Veteran replaces Joe Hart for Manchester City clash
Rare opportunity: Maik Taylor[LNB]Joe Hart's sparkling form has relegated veteran keeper Maik Taylor to the role of spectator this season. [LNB]The 38-year-old finally gets his own chance to shine on Sunday as Birmingham's on-loan star is not allowed to play against his parent club, Manchester City.[LNB]NEIL MOXLEY found out how the week differs for the Northern Ireland international when the spotlight focuses on him...[LNB]SundayMatch day. Liverpool at home. I know I'm not playing unless Joe has picked up an injury or suffered illness overnight. [LNB]After the meal and team meeting, the goalkeepers view goals that the opposition's strikers have scored in previous games. Fifty-five minutes before kick-off we do our warm-up. I've been called in at the last minute before, so I prepare as if I'm playing. Half-time, warm-up with goalkeeping coach Dave Watson. Joe's playing well. Again. Once the three subs have been made, I can kick the boots off. [LNB]Afterwards is the worst time, when you've not been part of it. [LNB] New heights: Joe Hart saves from Liverpool's Steven Gerrard during the 1-1 draw at St Andrew's last Sunday as Taylor watches from the sidelines[LNB]MondayDay off. Go bowling with the kids. They are getting quite competitive now. I'm kept on my toes. Went into Birmingham. Enjoyable day.[LNB]Tuesday Midweek reserve game against Chelsea coming up. I want to get a run-out as I know I'm going to be playing against Manchester City. [LNB]We did an intensive half-hour running, then we joined in with the lads. After training, I smacked a few balls at the driving range. [LNB]As the missus was away with the kids I watched Barcelona v Arsenal in peace, then turned over to the Masters preview. Quiet. Bliss.[LNB]WednesdayI follow the same process as for first-team games, although not in as much detail. I think it's important to play in these matches. I find that when you don't play, you can misjudge the pace of the ball over the top and distances. [LNB]We lose to a late goal. I can't do much about it. It still hurts, mind you.[LNB] Between the posts: Sunderland's Fraizer Campbell gets the better of Taylor in the Carling Cup earlier this season[LNB]Thursday Day off. Went down south to spend the day with my wife's family. Drive up later on to make sure I'm fresh for Friday.[LNB]Friday We have a structure under Dave and the intensity is full on. Similar format, but the duration is now not so long as earlier in the week, to save the legs for the outfield players, mainly. [LNB]It's the young versus old in training. And the old 'uns are wiping the floor with the young. Even when Roger Johnson qualifies for the youngsters, the old 'uns win.[LNB]Saturday Up to Manchester. Dinner and video analysis of our opponents is the order of the evening. [LNB]There's a plan to move the meeting forward so that Liam Ridgewell can watch his favourite soap operas. The rest of us are happy with that because we can retire gracefully and tune into the Masters.[LNB]Sunday I'll follow the same pattern as last week. I felt more pressure ahead of the last Manchester City game as Joe hadn't been hitting the heights as he is now.[LNB]That said, I'm pleased with the week. I've done as much as I can. Fingers crossed.[LNB] Hart will be England No 1 but World Cup has come to soon, says Taylor Birmingham will appeal against Michel sending off in reserves clashALL THE WEEKEND FA CUP & PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSBIRMINGHAM CITY FC
