Shropshire’s flagship star Joe Hart today declared Shrewsbury Town as his ‘first love’ – as he prepares for another vital England outing.

Hart will provide his country’s last line of defence in tomorrow’s crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley.

It is the latest step in the meteoric rise of the 24-year-old who, since making his Town Football League debut in 2004, has confirmed himself as No 1 at both Manchester City and England, won an FA Cup and booked his place in next season’s Champions League.

But former Meole Brace School pupil Hart admits he will never forget the career platform which was laid at his home town club before his departure to City in 2006.

“I was told I could play at the top long before I realised I could,” said Hart.

“I’ve always had a name. I don’t know how I’ve got it but I was blessed with people in the right situations saying good things about me.

“I thought it was people getting a bit carried away but I tried to repay them as best I can by working hard and taking the opportunities that were given to me.

“At the time I felt Shrewsbury was as high as I could go.

“It was where I was born, it was my local team, it was the team where I played youth football for. I didn’t think about anything else.

“I have a lot of love for them because they gave me my opportunity.”

Despite tomorrow’s encounter having potentially decisive implications on England’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s European Championships, level-headed Hart insists he doesn’t live in fear of making a mistake that could cost him his international berth.

“You have to accept that sometimes it is going to happen,” he added.

“I could be in the park playing with my nephew, who isn’t even three years old. If he kicks it in the corner, I can’t save it.

“It doesn’t matter who you’re playing or what you’re doing. You can be humbled as a goalkeeper.

“Obviously you do everything you can to prevent it, but you have to accept that anyone, at any point can score past you.”

By JAMES GARRISON