Shropshire Star

Shropshire’s full England international hope Joe Hart insists he didn’t expect to be included in Fabio Capello’s senior squad for tonight’s friendly in France.

The former Shrewsbury Town keeper - not 21 until April 19 - was heavily touted by footballing pundits and the national media as being on the brink of breaking into the full squad for Capello’s second match in charge.

But the Italian elected to keep Hart in the under-21s and he earned his 11th cap at that level - during which time he has only conceded two goals - by playing the first half of last night’s goalless draw against Poland at Molineux.

Asked if he was disappointed not to be included for the Paris friendly this evening, the Manchester City custodian insisted: “Not one bit. It was nice to get linked with it but I never expected to be in the squad.

“I just want to keep working hard and hopefully it will come somewhere down the line.

“It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt last night because I just want to be playing games and have a strong finish to the season.”Hart, who was only ever pencilled for a first half appearance last night, admitted he was disappointed England couldn’t force a winner last night.

“It’s always like that when you don’t win games with England because we have got a good team,” he added.

“We had chances, but it just wouldn’t go in.”