Manchester City Football Club News

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

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

Pearce backs Hart potential

20 Oct 2006 - 15:51:06

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Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been backed for a call-up to the England Under-21s set-up by Citizens boss Stuart Pearce.

The 19-year-old joined City for £600,000 from Shrewsbury Town in the summer and has been pressed into first-team action due to injuries to Andreas Isaksson and Nicky Weaver.

Pearce commented: "I don't think he would let the Under-21s down if he got a chance with them.

"He loves playing football, he trains really hard and has a fantastic family behind him who are very supportive.

"He certainly has all the stature required to be a top keeper and the more games he can play in front of 40,000, the more comfortable he will feel in that environment.

"Outside the Premiership, we felt he was the best goalkeeper and, while he may not reach his peak for another ten years, we believe he can offer us something in the here and now."