McLeish resigned to losing Hart

Hart joined Blues on a season-long loan from Manchester City in the summer and recent performances have led to talk of the 22-year-old jumping to the front of the queue to be England's number one at the World Cup. While that may be premature, Hart has certainly done his chances no harm having been instrumental in the club's current 11-game unbeaten run in the Premier League. The former Shrewsbury youngster produced another fine display as Birmingham drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, his fingertip save to thwart Robert Earnshaw particularly impressive. McLeish admits he would like to keep Hart at St Andrew's permanently but the Scot is resigned to the fact that he will be returning to Manchester City at the end of the season. "We've asked them and there is no chance," he said. "Man City have said he's not for sale. "To be fair that has always been the way as they said that in the summer. That has always been their stance. "He made a couple of good saves again and played his part." McLeish added: "When he first arrived there were people telling me after one or two games I should maybe be thinking about making a change. They obviously couldn't see the good things he was doing and look at him now. "We discussed it and changed a couple of things and he's improved. He's a guy who wants to improve, wants to learn and wants to be the best and it always helps when you have got a student who is receptive." McLeish is looking to strengthen his squad but the Blues boss insists the club will not be held to ransom over transfer fees or wages. "We'll try to bring two or three players in, but with the form we're in it's a bit of a dilemma," said McLeish. "Do I bring someone in for a huge transfer fee and on huge wages rather than keeping with the lads in the dressing room? "We are close to one or two things and we are in dialogue about players but one thing is for sure, I don't think there's any need for us to be fleeced. "There's a lot of prices that don't appeal to me. The law of economics is that if someone is prepared to pay for it, then that's what it's worth. "But, at the moment, we don't appear to be in any bun fights with anybody in terms of competition for players."