Taylor: Birmingham stay

It was flattering that Liverpool showed a lot of interest and of course I gave it serious consideration.

Maik Taylor
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Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor admits he gave 'serious consideration' to accepting interest from Liverpool before agreeing a new two-year deal at St Andrews.

The Northern Ireland international has confirmed reports that Rafa Benitez showed strong interest in his services as the Liverpool manager searches for reliable back-up to Jose Reina.

However, with Scott Carson returning to Anfield following his loan spell with Aston Villa, Taylor insists he always wanted to stay with Championship outfit Birmingham in order to secure regular first-team football.

"With an offer on the table from the club (Birmingham), it was always going to be the case that I would stay really," Taylor told the Blues' official website.

"It was flattering that Liverpool showed a lot of interest and of course I gave it serious consideration.

Desire

"Liverpool could offer the UEFA Champions League and everything else, but it would have been a situation as a No.2 and a year's contract as well.

"Scott Carson has gone back there now as well. There was talk of him going to Villa after his loan, but that has not materialised.

"I still have a big desire to play and, as long as I keep my form and fitness, that's more likely here (Birmingham)."

And having agreed to stay with Birmingham, Taylor is optimistic the club can return to the Premier League at the first attempt following their relegation last season.

"I enjoy playing for Birmingham and although, obviously, it was tremendously disappointing to get relegated, I am really optimistic about the future," added Taylor.

"We're going into an extremely difficult division, but definitely we will be up for the challenge and I'm sure we won't be far away."