Hart with us for the long term – Hughes
Wednesday 16th December 2009, 11:55AM GMT.
Mark Hughes has ruled out the possibility of goalkeeper Joe Hart leaving Manchester City.
Hart was allowed to join Birmingham on a season-long loan in a bid to further his development after losing his first-team place at Eastlands to Shay Given in the middle of last season.
The 22-year-old’s time at St Andrew’s has been a spectacular success.
Hart has been a pivotal figure in Birmingham’s rise up the table, triggering speculation that the England international, an outsider to make Fabio Capello’s World Cup squad, might eventually stay permanently.
It is certainly something Blues boss Alex McLeish would like to see happen.
However, Hughes has no intention of a player signed from Shrewsbury Town for £750,000 by current England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce being allowed to leave Eastlands.
“We allowed Joe to go because we felt it was important that he played regular football,” said Hughes.
“He was frustrated to lose his place when Shay came, but we have huge regard for his ability.
“We felt it was important for him to continue to develop and improve.
“He wasn’t going to do that outside the first-team here, so we decided the best course of action was to let him get some experience elsewhere.
“But our view on Joe has not changed.
“He is an outstanding goalkeeper and we are pleased that he is a Manchester City player.”
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ever since man city let joe hart go they have been the poorer whereas birmingham are now 6th in the premiership. if man city want to remain a journeyman team in the premier league then leave joe where he is. joe must be a contender for s. africa with or without man city
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