Taylor can make it big - Blues star

Damien Johnson is confident fellow Northern Ireland international Maik Taylor can make a big impression with Birmingham.

Taylor is moving to St Andrews on an initial one-year loan switch from Fulham and could make his debut in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly at Walsall.

The Blues have been searching for a new goalkeeper all summer with Ian Bennett the only experienced player in that department. Nico Vaesen is not back from a knee injury.

Midfielder Johnson believes 31-year-old Taylor will be a valuable acquisition for manager Steve Bruce.

Johnson said: “Maik Taylor is a top-drawer goalkeeper and he will be a good acquisition.

“You’re under the cosh a lot playing for Northern Ireland, and he is usually well tested but he has never let us down.”

Bruce has now completed his transfer dealings for the summer after the permanent capture of Christophe Dugarry, David Dunn, Luciano Figueroa plus Taylor.

He said: “The chequebook has been put away. I am finished with new signings. We have brought in four players and they are four good additions so I am delighted.”

Dugarry is currently in France following a minor knee injury and a family bereavement but he is expected to be back soon.