Given backs Hart for World Cup spot

Shay Given has backed Joe Hart to win a place in England's World Cup squad and then put pressure on him at Manchester City next season. Hart was loaned to Birmingham when Given arrived from Newcastle and the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper has monitored his competitor's progress with interest."Joe has done really well and deserves to be playing for England," Given told the club's official website."If he keeps his form there's no reason he shouldn't play in the World Cup. That can only be good for City."Roberto Mancini plans to hold talks with Hart at the end of the season - and Given has no problems fighting it out with the 22-year-old for the number one jersey."I wouldn't mind if Joe returns in the summer," he said."I don't mind fighting it out - that happened for years at Newcastle, and I've had to fight for my place with Ireland."That is part and parcel of being with a top team - and I don't have any problem with that."Joe was the number one here when I signed and we worked really well together."The competition has been there since I joined."Just because Joe is at Birmingham doesn't mean I don't feel the competition from him. He is still a City player and is doing very well."There is pressure here not just from Joe, but from Stuart Taylor and Gunnar Nielsen as well."You know if you don't perform there is always a chance the club could bring someone else in."If you want a successful team, there has to be competition in every position."City are aiming to finish fourth and claim a coveted Champions League slot and go into Sunday's match against Birmingham, in which Hart can now play, on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of Burnley.Mancini is already making tentative plans for the next campaign but said: "It is important we finish this season very well."He added: "We have a good squad but we need some more players. It is difficult to say how much money I will spend but the more the better."It was good for the team to score six goals last week. But it will be a battle with Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa for fourth place."Brazilian full-back Sylvinho is struggling to make the match after suffering a calf injury at the weekend. Micah Richards is also doubtful with a knee problem.Pablo Zabaleta remains sidelined through suspension while Stephen Ireland has an ankle injury and misses out.

Source: Team_Talk