Joe Hart rules out City return

27 April 2010 09:58

Manchester City keeper Joe Hart is expecting to remain on loan at Birmingham for the remainder of the season.

Roberto Mancini's side have been plunged into a keeper crisis after Shay Given dislocated his shoulder against Arsenal, with Stuart Taylor already injured. It leaves them with Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen as their only available senior keeper, sparking reports the Eastlands club will try to get Hart back for the final two games of the campaign.

When asked about reports that City may try and recall him, Hart said: "It is nothing to do with me. I am devastated for Shay. I texted him. You don't want that to happen to anyone, especially someone like him, a really great keeper and a good person."

He added: "All I can do is wish him a speedy recovery and hope he gets back between the posts as quickly as possible.

"The loan? As far as I know, that's the way it is. I will be staying here.

"I really enjoy what I'm doing with the boys at Birmingham and in training and just try to repay their efforts with my performances."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish insisted after Sunday's derby with Aston Villa that he anticipates Hart remaining with the midlands club until May.

McLeish has already intimated that he wants to sign Hart for another season and believes the player would find it "difficult" if he has to return as number two to Given next season.

Source: PA