Shrewsbury Town are hoping to cash in on a World Cup windfall this weekend – as club officials spoke of their pride at Shropshire’s Joe Hart gracing football’s biggest stage.

Former Town ace Hart is in contention for a starting role in Saturday night’s crucial Group C opener against USA.

And should the 23-year-old goalkeeper get the nod from Fabio Capello to start that, or any other game in South Africa, Town will net a bumper payday from Manchester City.

The payment – believed to be £500,000 – would form part of the £1.5m deal which took Hart to the Premeirship in 2006.

His only England start to date – against the Platinum Stars on Monday – has not triggered the clause, and neither have his three appearances off the bench.

But the fact Hart started England’s final warm-up game on Monday suggests he is genuinely contending with Robert Green and David James for the No 1 jersey.

Vice-chairman Keith Sayfritz, speaking on behalf of chairman Roland Wycherley and the Board, refused to be drawn on how much Shrewsbury would pocket should Hart start a competitive England game while still a Manchester City player.

But he has spoken of the club’s delight at seeing the former Shrewsbury star rising to the game’s pinnacle.

“We are very, very proud that Joe is in the squad and we will be even prouder if he goes on to start on Saturday,” said Sayfritz.

“He started with us at the age of 13, came through the youth ranks and to see him where he is now, is fantastic.

“When he was in our first team, we would go to away games and the opposition directors were always asking who questions about him.

“Everyone could see he was a special talent.

“The time came when Manchester City were interested and our chairman did what has already proved a fantastic piece of business for Shrewsbury Town.

“It’s great for the club to know that we have played a substantial role in his development.”

Sayfritz added that there had been no developments in the search for a new manager for the club.