England

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• Founded:1863
• Manager:Fabio Capello

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McLeish tips Hart for England

29 Dec 2009 - 12:44:01

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Goalkeeper Joe Hart has been tipped for a place in England's World Cup squad by club boss Alex McLeish.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper has been in impressive form for Birmingham City since joining on loan from Manchester City during the summer.

The England Under-21 international pulled off a string of top-quality saves during Monday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Stoke City and McLeish believes his keeper deserves to fight it out alongside the likes of Robert Green, David James, Ben Foster and Paul Robinson for a place in Fabio Capello's final 23-man squad.

"His form has been brilliant and let's face it, he is looking a big, powerful bloke between those sticks right now," said McLeish.

He has improved since he came to us. He probably had it there anyway, but we have probably brought out the potential.

"Joe has as good a chance as anybody else to certainly be in the England squad.

"I know that Fabio Capello and his staff like him, so he already has an edge and his recent performances have certainly shown he can be a candidate."

Hart has won one full England cap to date after coming on as a substitute during a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008.