Birmingham’s on-loan keeper Joe Hart admits he is keeping his options open regarding his long-term future.

Former Shrewsbury Town ace Hart is due to return to Manchester City at the end of the current campaign after reaping the benefits of playing regular first-team football at St Andrew’s.

But Blues boss Alex McLeish believes Hart will not be content to be No 2 to Shay Given, who has been in outstanding form during the current campaign.

City will ultimately have the final say as Hart, whose form has seen him backed for an England recall, is under contract to them.

But it remains to be seem whether the player will try and force the issue if it becomes clear he will only be on the periphery of Roberto Mancini’s first-team plans.

Hart said: “I am really enjoying it at Birmingham. They are great people and a good club with great fans.

“Regarding my future, there is nothing I’d rule in or rule out. It’s not anything I’m considering right now simply because I’m just enjoying what I’m doing.

“There is no hassle. There is no pressure and I’m on loan until the end of the season. That will never change, regardless of what anyone says. I’m going to be here until May.”

Mancini is expected to go on a spending spree during the January transfer window.

But Hart believes he will find it difficult to find a better keeper than Given.

He said: “Mancini’s got the money – but he’s also got Shay Given. I don’t know how much money would replace him. I speak to Shay regularly and he’s a great guy and a great goalkeeper.”

McLeish admits he would like to keep Hart at St Andrew’s but the Scot is resigned to the fact that he will be returning to Manchester City at the end of the season.

“We’ve asked them and there is no chance,” he said. “Man City have said he’s not for sale.”