Veteran goalkeeper Maik Taylor has revealed his desire to sign a new contract at Birmingham City after claiming "I've got years left in me as a player".

Thirty-six-year-old Taylor's current deal with Blues expires next summer but the former Fulham player is keen to be part of Alex McLeish's new era at the club.

The former Scotland manager instantly recalled Northern Ireland number one Taylor to the side on his appointment after caretaker boss Eric Black had dropped him and brought in Richard Kingson.

Taylor said: "It would be fantastic if we could sit down and talk about a new contract. I would be keen to stay at Birmingham and I still have that hunger for the game. I still look forward to getting out of bed and training every day and, all the while that remains, I'll be keen to carry on. I feel I've still got years left in me as a player.

"The family are also settled in the area, this is a new era at Birmingham so hopefully something can be sorted out as a regards a contract."

Former army recruit Taylor has shown his resolve at St Andrew's in reclaiming his first-team spot on several occasions.
He said: "I'll always keep fighting for a spot. I'm a professional who is contracted to Birmingham and I'll give it my best shot. Manager makes decisions on who plays. That is what they are paid for.

"Eric Black left me out but showed me a lot of respect and collared me the day before and explained his reasons why. I had to accept that. I disagreed with them but it was his decision and I just had to get on with it.

"If someone else gets in, I'll be pushing them all the way and, if they are producing the goods to keep me out, then Birmingham are benefiting from that."

Taylor also again reiterated his desire to continue playing for his country.  He said: "I am still enjoying it. I was really disappointed after the Spain game and missing out on Euro 2008 but when you look at the campaign as whole, it was the away games with Iceland and Latvia where we let ourselves down.

"We were very close to qualifying. All the while I am playing well and, if the manager feels I am still capable of doing a job for them, then I'm always going to be available."