Hart vows to force himself back into Man City and England reckoning

25 February 2009 15:28
Fired up: Hart has vowed to get his place in the City first team back[LNB] Manchester City[LNB]keeper Joe Hart says his place in Fabio Capello's England squad has been threatened by Shay Given's arrival at Eastlands.[LNB]Before the Irishman chose to end an 11-year stint at Newcastle in January with an £8million switch, Hart had established himself as boss Mark Hughes' first-choice keeper.[LNB]But he has since found options limited, with the 21-year-old relegated to the bench, making his last appearance against Stoke on January 31. [LNB]After gaining his solo England cap against Trinidad & Tobago, Hart is keen for England career to flourish, but admits he must first oust Given at City.[LNB]'It has been hugely beneficial and a great honour to be involved in the England squad.[LNB] '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.'[LNB]Hart added that he bears Republic of Ireland international Given no malice, adding: 'Shay has come in and done exceptionally well - I have nothing against him. [LNB]'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. [LNB] 'I have never taken a first-team place for granted ever since I arrived and I am happy to be at the club.[LNB] Hanging in there: Given has been an ever-present since arriving from Newcastle[LNB] '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.[LNB] '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,' he told Sky Sports' website.[LNB] Man City battle Barca for Alves, but Porto want £25m for centre half[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Bellamy heals the Robinho 'rift' by insisting: You just need to play a lot better, that's all[LNB]MANCHESTER CITY FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE WEB[LNB][LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail