Birmingham is where the Hart is as Man City loan out England keeper Joe

24 June 2009 10:47
England goalkeeper Joe Hart will spend next season on loan at Birmingham. The Barclays Premier League new boys have tied up a season-long deal for the out-of-favour Manchester City youngster. Hart, 22, lost his place as City's No 1 after Shay Given's arrival from Newcastle in January. Boss Mark Hughes remains a huge fan of his rookie keeper but believes he will be better off at another club rather than sitting on the bench at Eastlands. 'It has been tough,' admitted Hart. '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.' Hart is currently on duty with the England at the European Under-21 Championships. Hughes added: 'I have always said that Joe is a really good young keeper, and his talent was obvious to goalkeeping coach 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.' City yesterday signed Stuart Taylor on a one-year deal from Aston Villa to cover the absence of Hart.

Source: Daily_Mail