Source: Team_Talk
Given backs Hart for World Cup spot
Shay Given has backed Joe Hart to win a place in England's World Cup squad and then put pressure on him at Manchester City next season.[LNB] Hart was loaned to Birmingham when Given arrived from Newcastle and the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has monitored his competitor's progress with interest.[LNB]"Joe has done really well and deserves to be playing for England," Given told the club's official website.[LNB]"If he keeps his form there's no reason he shouldn't play in the World Cup. That can only be good for City."[LNB]Roberto Mancini plans to hold talks with Hart at the end of the season - and Given has no problems fighting it out with the 22-year-old for the number one jersey.[LNB]"I wouldn't mind if Joe returns in the summer," he said.[LNB]"I don't mind fighting it out - that happened for years at Newcastle, and I've had to fight for my place with Ireland.[LNB]"That is part and parcel of being with a top team - and I don't have any problem with that.[LNB]"Joe was the number one here when I signed and we worked really well together.[LNB]"The competition has been there since I joined.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"There is pressure here not just from Joe, but from Stuart Taylor and Gunnar Nielsen as well.[LNB]"You know if you don't perform there is always a chance the club could bring someone else in.[LNB]"If you want a successful team, there has to be competition in every position."[LNB]City are aiming to finish fourth and claim a coveted Champions League slot and go into Sunday's match against Birmingham, in which Hart can now play, on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of Burnley.[LNB]Mancini is already making tentative plans for the next campaign but said: "It is important we finish this season very well."[LNB]He added: "We have a good squad but we need some more players. It is difficult to say how much money I will spend but the more the better.[LNB]"It was good for the team to score six goals last week. But it will be a battle with Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa for fourth place."[LNB]Brazilian full-back Sylvinho is struggling to make the match after suffering a calf injury at the weekend. Micah Richards is also doubtful with a knee problem.[LNB]Pablo Zabaleta remains sidelined through suspension while Stephen Ireland has an ankle injury and misses out.
