Birmingham City have wrapped up a deal to sign
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long
loan.
The 22-year-old had slipped down the pecking order at Eastlands
following the arrival of Shay Given in the January transfer window
and has opted to move to St Andrew's to gain regular first-team
football.
Hart told the Citizen's official club website: "It has been
tough. It's frustrating, but there's only one person can play in
goal and Shay's doing that at the moment.
"I've had to deal with it the best I can. It's not been ideal,
but it's not the end of the world."
Manager Mark Hughes added: "I have always said that Joe is a
really good young keeper and his talent was obvious to Kevin
Hitchcock and I from the outset.
"His contribution to the team prior to Shay Given's arrival was
fantastic, but by loaning him to Birmingham, he will add invaluable
experience to that already gained here at City.
"I know he will relish the prospect of regular Premier League
action, which is vital at this stage in his career."
England Under-21 international Hart has also made one senior
appearance for England, featuring as a substitute in the 3-0 win
over Trinidad & Tobago just over a year ago.