Joe Hart admits his place in the England squad is under
threat following the arrival of Shay Given at Manchester
City.
The England prospect was Mark Hughes’ first-choice keeper before
the City boss spent £8 million in January to recruit Given from
Newcastle.
Hart has since slipped behind the new arrival in the pecking
order and admits the situation could jeopardise his own
international hopes.
The keeper, who has been capped once for England, said: "It has
been hugely beneficial and a great honour to be involved in the
England squad.
"My desire to become first choice for my country is as strong as
anyone’s. I need to play first-team football to play for England
and my aim is to force my way back into the City side.”
Hart admits it has come as a blow to have lost his place in the
side, but insists he bears no bad feeling towards the Republic of
Ireland international.
He added: "Shay has come in and done exceptionally well - I have
nothing against him. It is not his fault, and if I had been in his
situation I would have done exactly the same. He has been very good
to me and I will be the same to him.
“I have never taken a first-team place for granted ever since I
arrived and I am happy to be at the club.
"I would love to be playing, any player will tell you that, but
right now I am not, and I have to work hard in training to try and
get myself back in the side.
“There is no point in sulking. I have not lost my job, just my
place in the team. At the moment I am not the first-choice keeper
and I want to change that as fast as I can.”