Hart: Setback will make me a better keeper

Tuesday 26th May 2009, 1:15PM BST.

Shropshire-born goalkeeper Joe Hart believes he will become a better player for the experience of having to play second fiddle to Shay Given at Manchester City.

Hart lost his place to the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper when Given arrived from Newcastle at the end of January.

But he has vowed to emerge stronger as he prepares to head off with England under-21s on Sunday to prepare for this summer’s European Championships.

“It hasn’t been ideal with the way the season has ended,” said Hart, who was at Shrewsbury Cricket Club to watch part of their Birmingham League premier division clash with Himley yesterday.

“Everything since I have started playing football has gone positively. This has been a little bit of a setback but hopefully it will make me better.”

Rumours have linked Hart with a loan move away from City next season, with newly-promoted duo Birmingham amongst the clubs touted.

But a coy Hart said: “I’ve not spoken to anyone in respect to that so I’ve got nothing really to say about it.”

Hart was a disappointed on-looked as his former club Shrewsbury were beaten in the League Two play-off finals by Gillingham on Saturday.

“I watched most of the game on television and I was gutted because they went through in the semi-finals in such dramatic style,” he added.