England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has backed Joe Hart to establish himself in the senior squad following his recent call-up.

The former Shrewsbury keeper Hart will be in goal for the under-21s tonight against a Wales side at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground that will feature another ex-Town man – Dave Edwards, who is now at Wolves.

The one-time team-mates will be playing against each other for only the second time in their careers, having first squared up in a schools match more than 10 years ago.

On that occasion, Hart was on the winning side as Meole Brace beat Mary Webb 10-9 on penalties in a Shrewsbury Schools Cup semi-final, though Edwards did at least put away his spot-kick,

After tonight, Hart could also play for Fabio Capello’s full side when they face the USA and Trinidad & Tobago after being rewarded for his impressive season at Manchester City.

Pearce, who signed Hart from Shrewsbury when he was City boss, said: “He’s taken his chance and established a claim to be Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper and in my opinion he’s gone beyond that as well.

“He’s been a major part of this squad and has potential to achieve whatever he wants.

“He’s got a bit of everything – shot stopping, distribution and he’s 6ft 5ins. I have a feeling he has a temperament that will take everything in his stride.

“I hope he keeps his first-team berth at Man City next season, I’m sure he will. On top of that hopefully he can stay in the senior squad.”