Hart misses out on Capello squad
Wednesday 19th March 2008, 11:48AM GMT.
Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Joe Hart has missed out on a first call-up to Fabio Capello’s England squad – after again being named in the under-21 ranks instead.
Hart had been tipped to feature in Capello’s squad for the senior clash in France next week, but is actually included in the under-21s for their Tuesday friendly with Poland at Molineux.
Hart is now established as Manchester City’s No 1 after making an initial £600,000 move from Town, and Shrewsbury stand to pick up an extra £500,000 if and when the 20-year-old makes his England senior debut.
His impressive form for City put him on the radar of Capello, with the England boss describing the youngster as “very interesting”.
But he looks set to stay with the under-21s for now, despite manager Stuart Pearce naming an otherwise inexperienced squad.
Established Under-21 players such as skipper Steven Taylor, Tom Huddlestone, Mark Noble and Theo Walcott are not included in the 20-man squad.
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was included in Capello’s first squad, and the youngsters Pearce has rested could still be called up to the seniors this week.
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon was also among those not included by Pearce, but Hart’s City team-mate Nedum Onuoha remained in the squad and is likely to be named captain in the absence of Newcastle defender Taylor.
Blackburn’s former Wrexham loan star Matt Derbyshire has also returned after missing the win over the Republic of Ireland as his wife was set to give birth.
“The idea is to give one or two that have been patient an opportunity to play,” said Pearce. “For me, we have done quite well this season so far in the qualifiers.
“I have left one or two lads out that are playing regularly for their clubs who I wouldn’t learn a lot about.”
By Chris Hudson
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not to worry joe, your time will come and so will our 500k
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money money money
is so funny
in a rich mans world
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good luck joe as spencer says your time will come
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