Taylor looking to remain unbeaten

Maik Taylor is aiming to maintain a remarkable record against Ukraine tomorrow.

The Northern Ireland goalkeeper, who turned 32 yesterday, wants another shut-out in this Euro 2004 qualifier.

Taylor has keep three clean sheets in the Barclaycard Premiership with Birmingham, the last one coming against Newcastle at the weekend.

Spain’s finest also failed to get the better of him in June.

However, he remains modest about his achievements in the opening weeks of the season after working with goalkeeping coach Nigel Spink at St Andrews.

“I’ve not really had what you would class as a top drawer save to make,” he said.

“I have just been really pleased with all the little bits that make up a decent performance.

“We’ve had a fantastic start and I am really enjoying working with Nigel Spink.

“It was a great result at Newcastle but probably a great time to play them on the back of a Champions League defeat.

“Three points was a massive bonus and a great lift for everyone at the club.”

Taylor arrived at Birmingham in the summer after feeling unfairly treated by Fulham.

He has signed a season-long loan deal which will turn into a four-year contract – providing the club are not relegated.

However, he remains dismayed at the way things turned out at Fulham, where Edwin van der Sar has regained the number one jersey.

“By van der Sar’s own admission he wanted to get away,” said Taylor.

“It would have benefited the club to offload him as he is on high wages but there were no takers.

“When I spoke to the manager (Chris Coleman) he said he hadn’t made up his mind who would start the season.

“I had heard Birmingham had come in and the club had accepted a bid.

“I told him that with all due respect to you and Fulham, even if you go with me I didn’t feel they were a big enough club to justify his wages and keep him on the bench.

“I didn’t feel that was fair on me. I am all for competition but I didn’t feel that would be fair competition in those circumstances.”

Taylor is thoroughly enjoying his time with Birmingham and is looking at a long-term move.

“As long as we stay in the Premiership it is a four-year contract,” he said.

“It is only a loan move if they are relegated and feel they can’t afford me. They still have the option to buy me.

“I have always felt that when I played against Birmingham they have been difficult to beat with that support behind them.

“They are a big club with very passionate fans and it is brilliant.”

Taylor has praised his Birmingham team-mate Damien Johnson, who also looks set to start for Northern Ireland tomorrow.

“Damien’s been phenomenal. He’s a great pro, he’s always in the gym,” said Taylor.

“He is very well thought of and has had a great start to the season. I thought he was magnificent against Spain.”

Northern Ireland have still to chalk up a victory in Group Six but Taylor remains optimistic.

“It would be good if we could build on the draw against Spain,” he said.

“We know we can’t qualify but we do need a good performance on Saturday.

“Ukraine will cause us a few problems from set pieces as they are all big lads.

“We haven’t got the height we would like but after the way we played against Spain we should go into the game without any fear.”