Soccer:Joe Hart deserves a place in England's World Cup squad, according to Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given. When Given arrived from Newcastle, Hart was loaned to Birmingham, where he has blossomed.
However, the 22-year-old will sit out the game at Eastlands tomorrow as it is against his parent club. City number one Given, though, has monitored Hart’s progress with interest.
“Joe has done really well and deserves to be playing for England,” the Republic of Ireland international said. “If he keeps his form there’s no reason he shouldn’t play in the World Cup. That can only be good for City.”
Manager Roberto Mancini plans to hold talks with Hart at the end of the season - and Given insists he has no problems scrapping for the starting spot.
“I wouldn’t mind if Joe returns in the summer,” he said. “I don’t mind fighting it out — that happened for years at Newcastle, and I’ve had to fight for my place with Ireland.
“That is part and parcel of being with a top team — and I don’t have any problem with that. Joe was the number one here when I signed and we worked really well together.
“The competition has been there since I joined. Just because Joe is at Birmingham doesn’t mean I don’t feel the competition from him. He is still a City player and is doing very well.
“There is pressure here not just from Joe, but from Stuart Taylor and Gunnar Nielsen as well. You know if you don’t perform there is always a chance the club could bring someone else in.
“If you want a successful team, there has to be competition in every position.”