Birmingham City FC

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• Manager:Alex McLeish

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Birmingham complete Hart deal

24 Jun 2009 - 08:42:00

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Birmingham City have wrapped up a deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan.

The 22-year-old had slipped down the pecking order at Eastlands following the arrival of Shay Given in the January transfer window and has opted to move to St Andrew's to gain regular first-team football.

Hart told the Citizen's official club website: "It has been tough. It's frustrating, but there's only one person can play in goal and Shay's doing that at the moment.

"I've had to deal with it the best I can. It's not been ideal, but it's not the end of the world."

Manager Mark Hughes added: "I have always said that Joe is a really good young keeper and his talent was obvious to Kevin Hitchcock and I from the outset.

"His contribution to the team prior to Shay Given's arrival was fantastic, but by loaning him to Birmingham, he will add invaluable experience to that already gained here at City.

"I know he will relish the prospect of regular Premier League action, which is vital at this stage in his career."

England Under-21 international Hart has also made one senior appearance for England, featuring as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago just over a year ago.