Maik Taylor reckons Alex McLeish's Birmingham City have the potential to achieve big things

Apr 14 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

MAIK Taylor is sure that Blues can kick on and better the days of recent past when they first emerged in the Premier League.

Taylor was an integral part of the Steve Bruce side that finished 10th in 2003-04 and he reckons the current vintage can make even further progress.

“Absolutely,” says the goalkeeper. “I think we have got a very good core of really strong characters. They have helped the young lads who have come in and done exceptionally, as well.

“There is a very good blend. Obviously there are going to be new additions over the course of the summer and they are going to have to look at anyone coming in being better quality than we have got. If so, then brilliant.

“There is a lot of work to be done by the manager and the board because they are going to identify players but we don’t want to upset the togetherness we have built already.

“The manager has got a keen eye and I’m sure he will do a lot of background checks on key personalities who are coming in, as well as find quality. That’s very important.

“We need players who are not only going to have all the ability, but fit in with the lads and keep the spirit we have at the moment.”

That spirit will be tested after the 5-1 drubbing by Manchester City, which was hardly a happy return for Taylor as he stepped in for the ineligible Joe Hart.

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