Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

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• Capacity:48,000

Hart reassured over future

24 Mar 2009 - 08:23:35

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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has reassured goalkeeper Joe Hart that his long-term career will not be damaged despite losing his starting place.

Hart has been included in the England Under-21 squad for the clashes with Norway and France rather than Fabio Capello's full squad for the matches against Slovakia and Ukraine.

The 21-year-old has not started a club game since Hughes brought in Shay Given from Newcastle United in January, but the City boss still believes Hart has a bright future ahead of him at both Eastlands and for England.

"It is important Joe knows our feelings with regard to his ability," said Hughes.

"Joe is going to be England's outstanding goalkeeper for the next 10 or 15 years.

"But it is right that we have been able to take him out of the fire, allow him to step back and see where he is.

"It is different with outfield players because you can keep taking them out and putting them back in again. You can't do that with a goalkeeper and there are too many examples of young lads who have ended up burnt and scarred and never recovered.

"I don't want that to happen with Joe."

Meanwhile, Hughes has suggested he may look to loan out Hart next season to gain valuable first-team experience.

He added: "The opportunity with Shay presented itself and when that happens you have to move.

"Initially Joe found it very difficult. But he has got his head down now and knows he has to work.

"We can then look at him going out on loan next year because we want them to develop and maybe just training day after day is not what they need.

"It is something we will definitely investigate, while always keeping in mind we want them as players for Manchester City."