Former Shrewsbury Town keeper Joe Hart is waiting to learn whether he will make his England debut in tomorrow night’s friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.But he admits he faces a formidable challenge to establish himself as England’s No 1 - current custodian David James.
Indications are that Hart will get his chance at the Haseley Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain - possibly off the bench.
He has enjoyed a terrific season at Manchester City where he has established himself in the No 1 shirt despite some tough competition.
Now he has the chance to impress England boss Fabio Capello - but admits he faces a tough challenge to replace the Portsmouth keeper in the lon g.
Hart said: “Anyone who has seen David James this year or through the years will understand the task it is - a big one. He is 37 and doing everthing a 19 or 20-year-old would do.
“You assume David James is coming to the end of his career, but I could see him playing until he is 50 at this rate!”
Hart revealed he is enjoying being part of Capello’s England set-up alongside James and Peterborough stopper Joe Lewis. “He (Capello) just lets me get on with it.
“Every manager I have been involved with has not really said much to me, and I take that as a compliment.
“When they have to take you to one side all the time and cuddle you, that’s when you have to worry.”
If Hart does make his full England bow tomorrow it will be good news for Shrewsbury.
They will be in line for a bumper £500,000 pay day from Manchester City - part of the £1.5m deal which took Hart to the City of Manchester Stadium in the summer of 2006.
Meanwhile Michael Owen has set his sights on becoming England’s greatest goalscorer and also emulating David Beckham in reaching 100 caps for his country.
Owen missed Wednesday’s friendly victory over the USA at Wembley as well tomorrow’s clash with Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain with a virus.
But the ambitions at international level still burn brightly for the 28-year-old Newcastle striker who ended the season in fine form for Kevin Keegan’s side.
He has netted 40 goals for England and has the record haul by Sir Bobby Charlton in his sights as well as clocking up a century of appearances for the Three Lions.
Owen said: “On a personal note, they are the two main targets I am aiming for at the moment. Whether they are unrealistic or not, only time will tell. But it’s nice to be in a position to chase two great dreams like that.”
By James Garrison
One Comment
Hit the nail on the head there Joe - 37 and counting David James. Iker Casillas in Spain is probably the best keeper in the world right now and still only 26. Surely giving our country’s top young keeper a run out to ease him into the international bigtime can take Joe in that direction too.