Despite his failure to convert from 12 yards at the weekend, Birmingham City’s James McFadden is determined to retain his penalty taking duties. Manchester City keeper Shay Given produced a good stop to deny McFadden what could have been the winner during the 0-0 stalemate at St Andrew’s but the Scot blames himself. "It was a poor penalty," said McFadden “I changed my mind where I was going to put it."

 

Meanwhile, Given’s opposite number on Sunday, Maik Taylor, was full of praise for the Republic of Ireland international. Taylor was playing due to his on-loan rival for the number one spot, Joe Hart, being prevented from playing against City due to a clause in the loan deal. The Northern Ireland keeper thinks that Given is reaching potentially his best form and can be as good as anyone in his position. Taylor told Press Association Sport: "How good is Given? He was always top quality at Newcastle but, since he has gone to Manchester City, he has almost gone to another level. He really is one of the world's best, not just in the Premier League, and he never put a foot wrong against us.”

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish was pleased with his sides overall performance against City especially considering the relative lack of experience in certain areas. "It was a disappointed dressing room after the game because they knew they had a real chance of getting the three points” said the Scot. “It is a new experience for a lot of the players, playing in the Premier League, and a lot of these guys are developing extremely well."