Maik Taylor fears for his Northern Ireland future if he spends another season on the Birmingham bench.
Blues veteran believes back-up role could hinder Euro 2012 hopes
Maik Taylor fears for his Northern Ireland future if he spends another season on the Birmingham bench.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper played second fiddle last season to on-loan Manchester City youngster Joe Hart, who earned himself a place in England's World Cup squad.
Taylor remained Northern Ireland's number one during their qualifying campaign despite making just two league appearances for Blues but he believes his international position could be under threat following the signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Taylor signed a new one-year deal in May and although he expects to play back-up again next term, he admits it will hinder his hopes of playing in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
"I imagine Foster will start the season as first choice so it will be up to me to push him and hopefully get in and get a few games," he told the
Birmingham Mail.
"If he produces the level of performance of which he is capable - similar to Joe Hart last season - it's going to make things extremely difficult for me.
Challenge
"If I am not getting many games at Birmingham it's going to be difficult with Northern Ireland, but I am up for the challenge.
"If I am not producing the goods and someone is there who's playing well regularly for their club then I'm sure Nigel Worthington would make the change."
Alan Mannus (Shamrock Rovers) and Jonathan Tuffey (Partick Thistle) will be out to depose Taylor although the veteran is eager to add to his tally of 83 caps.
"I am still enjoying the game and I love being involved with Northern Ireland so retirement is a long way off yet," he added.
"Hopefully I will keep performing at the level I know I can and help Northern Ireland qualify for Euro 2012."
