Roger Johnson believes it is vital Birmingham retain the services
of goalkeeper Joe Hart - even if it is only on loan for another
season.
Hart has made the temporary switch from Manchester City for
the 2009/10 campaign to play regular first-team football.
But Hart's form has been so outstanding that Blues boss Alex
McLeish believes he is a major contender to be the England number
one at the World Cup. Johnson has echoed those sentiments, and also
knows the importance to City of keeping hold of the former
Shrewsbury player for at least another 12 months.
He said: "The boys would welcome Joe on loan for another
season if not to sign permanently. Definitely.
"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 (even
if on loan again) 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."
Johnson added: "Can he be England's World Cup number one? Why
not? If you look at all the statistics and records relating to
keepers this season, he is top of them so there is no reason why
not.
"Also, Fabio Capello is a manager who goes on form - so why
not?"
