Taylor Happy Being Blue

Last updated : 22 March 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

The Northern Ireland international keeper put pen-to-paper on Monday on a contract that will see him remain at St. Andrews until the summer of 2008 having already spent the entire season on loan from Fulham.

"I always had faith in my ability to play at the top level," he said.

"I'm very happy to stay full-time and it was never ever going to be any big deal in terms of agreeing personal teams.

"My family moved up to the area as soon as I joined Birmingham and it was going to go through just as long as we stayed up as the clubs had agreed a fee.

"I am enjoying it here. It is my first full season in the top flight and it has got to make you sharper playing week-in and week-out," he added.

"Fulham went down the road of signing Edwin van der Sar which restricted my options there, although I was in the team for the second half of last season.

"I always had faith in my ability to be able to play at the top level and it was great to come to a place where you feel wanted and part of things."