• Premier League

Hart not yet one of the best in England - Mancini

January 27, 2011
Joe Hart has installed himself as No. 1 for England and Manchester City © PA Photos
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Roberto Mancini has backed Joe Hart to become one of the best goalkeepers in the world - as long as he continues to work at his game.

Hart has enjoyed a swift rise to the top since leaving Shrewsbury for Manchester City in 2006. Hart is the No. 1 for England and also replaced Shay Given in the City side at the start of the season.

However, his recent performances against Leicester and Aston Villa, where he played a part in Darren Bent's winning goal, have seen the 23-year-old attract some criticism.

City boss Mancini, though, has no doubts about Hart's potential and expects him to go from strength to strength, provided he maintains his focus.

"Every player has difficult moments in their career and what he has to do is be strong at this time because, when everything is going okay, it is easy for him," he told the club's official website.

"For a young goalkeeper to receive this criticism is a challenge and he must be strong in the face of it. He is always very assured, but it is important to have concentration always. He is improving but I think that he has a chance to improve more because he is young and this is his second year in the first team.

"He can become one of the best goalkeepers in England and the world, but for this to happen he has to want to work and want to improve."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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