Manchester City Football Club News

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

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Hart secures Sven backing

12 Nov 2007 - 09:47:58

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Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been backed for a future at the highest level of the game, following his excellent display in the goalless draw at Portsmouth.

The England Under-21s international denied Pompey with several fine saves, having been backed by Citizens boss Sven-Goran Eriksson after the 6-0 thrashing at Chelsea two weeks ago.

The Swede commented: "He is an under-21 international already and that usually means you can step up. He made some great saves and yet he's still not happy with himself. I know why, it is his kicking.

"I told him not to blame himself for the loss at Chelsea. We had ten other players on the field who should have defended better, but I could understand why he was down.

"It is not easy to come back after conceding six in a match. But he's done it and we were a different side this time to the one against Chelsea. We had to be.

"Sooner or later I have to decide whether we need another goalkeeper. I think it will be later.

"But our season is going well so far and we can't complain about our home form. Away it has not been so good, but this, today, was much better.

"It was a fair result. Portsmouth could have won it with a couple of good chances, but so could we with some of our own.

"Our spirit and character were there, I didn't need to speak too much in the dressing room because everyone knew what job they needed to do and they did just that."