Defender Roger Johnson believes it is vital Birmingham retain the services of goalkeeper Joe Hart - even if it is only on loan from Manchester City for another season.
Hart has made the temporary switch from Eastlands for the 2009/10 campaign to play regular first team football.
But Hart's form has been so outstanding that Blues boss Alex McLeish believes he is a major contender to be the England number one at the World Cup.
Johnson has echoed those sentiments, and also knows the importance to City of keeping hold of the former Shrewsbury player for at least another 12 months.
He said: "The boys would welcome Joe on loan for another season if not to sign permanently. Definitely.
"He is a good lad, nice to have around, works hard, plays well, so, yes, it would be a great signing for us.
"Hopefully it will happen. As long as we have got him (even if on loan again) that is the main thing.
"It is tough to find a keeper who does well week in and week out so I am pretty sure that will be the gaffer's number one to sort out.
"Joe is doing well and is keeping us in a few games. That is what he gets paid for and he has made some good saves in recent weeks."
Johnson added: "Can he be England's World Cup number one? Why not? If you look at all the statistics and records relating to keepers this season, he is top of them so there is no reason why not.
"Also, Fabio Capello is a manager who goes on form - so why not?"
