Big Eck sets Hart on keeping Joe
Hart has been one of the cornerstones of the Blues’ remarkable run
of 11 consecutive Premier League matches without defeat, equalling
a 101-year-old top-flight club record. The 22-year-old’s latest
stand-out performance came in Monday’s 1-0 victory at Stoke where
Hart produced two exceptional saves to preserve the three points
following Cameron Jerome’s winner. Currently on a season-long loan
from Manchester City, Hart’s value is likely increasing all the
time, which is why McLeish could move in January rather than wait
until the end of the season. Asked if he was concerned whether any
fee might be too much come May, McLeish replied: “Possibly, but
then maybe a bigger club might have their sights on him. “We bring
players in and try and improve them, and sometimes a situation like
this arises. “We’ve just got to keep going with Joe, and at the end
of the season see what happens. He may feel he wants to come to
Birmingham.” That may yet force McLeish’s hand, strengthened by
transfer cash to be made available by new owner Carson Yeung, if
the speculation is to be believed. “We need to discuss that. We’ve
not discussed it at board level,” remarked McLeish at the
suggestion he could pursue Hart next month. It is hardly surprising
McLeish is not dismissing such a prospect after witnessing at first
hand the progress made by Hart since his arrival at St Andrews.
Acknowledging Hart as a character, and not just a player, McLeish
added: “He is conscientious, he cares, and he enjoys the support he
gets. “A lot of players can be sensitive, a little bit precious and
see that as a criticism, but it’s constructive. “With some of the
things we tweaked earlier in the season, he has improved, he has
ironed out the rough edges. He is a great pro. “Right now he just
needs to focus on the next game, to work hard under (goalkeeping
coach) Dave Watson and continue to improve.”