Hart admits England fear
-
Joe Hart admits his place in the England squad is under threat following the arrival of Shay Given at Manchester City.
The England prospect was Mark Hughes’ first-choice keeper before the City boss spent £8 million in January to recruit Given from Newcastle.
Hart has since slipped behind the new arrival in the pecking order and admits the situation could jeopardise his own international hopes.
The keeper, who has been capped once for England, said: "It has been hugely beneficial and a great honour to be involved in the England squad.
"My desire to become first choice for my country is as strong as anyone’s. I need to play first-team football to play for England and my aim is to force my way back into the City side.”
Hart admits it has come as a blow to have lost his place in the side, but insists he bears no bad feeling towards the Republic of Ireland international.
He added: "Shay has come in and done exceptionally well - I have nothing against him. It is not his fault, and if I had been in his situation I would have done exactly the same. He has been very good to me and I will be the same to him.
“I have never taken a first-team place for granted ever since I arrived and I am happy to be at the club.
"I would love to be playing, any player will tell you that, but right now I am not, and I have to work hard in training to try and get myself back in the side.
“There is no point in sulking. I have not lost my job, just my place in the team. At the moment I am not the first-choice keeper and I want to change that as fast as I can.”