Alex Mcleish has praised Joe Hart's attitude since joining Birmingham City on loan, suggesting he has also caught the eye of the England setup.

Hart, who kept a clean sheet against Premier League leaders on Boxing Day, is midway through a season-long loan at St Andrew’s from Manchester City.

"I think Joe has come on a ton. We started the season having spoken about one or two things and he's improved out of sight and I'm pleased for him. He's a conscientious big guy and his own worst critic,” said Mcleish.

"He studies everything and takes everything on the chin from the goalkeeping coach Dave Watson to try to improve. He's a guy who improves and wants to get better and better and his form has been terrific.

"I know the England coaches think a lot of him, and I think they will think even more of him now with his Birmingham performances."

Hart has one senior England cap, playing 45 minutes in the friendly win over Trinidad & Tobago in June 2008.

He has 21 U21 caps and was part of the side that reached the final of the European Championship this summer, although he missed the final through suspension. Watford’s Scott Loach replaced him as Stuart Pearce’s side lost to Germany.