Joe's joy at England chance
Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Joe Hart has spoken of his delight and shock at winning his first England under-21 call-up. Former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Joe Hart has spoken of his delight and shock at winning his first England under-21 call-up. Hart has been named in the first squad selected by new manager Stuart Pearce - his club boss at Manchester City - for Tuesday's friendly against Spain. Tottenham's Ben Alnwick and Charlton's Scott Carson are the other two custodians included in the squad. While Hart accepts his chance of an appearance at Pride Park remains slim, he is relishing joining up with England's top young talent next week. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star
Hart has been named in the first squad selected by new manager Stuart Pearce - his club boss at Manchester City - for Tuesday's friendly against Spain.
Tottenham's Ben Alnwick and Charlton's Scott Carson are the other two custodians included in the squad.
While Hart accepts his chance of an appearance at Pride Park remains slim, he is relishing joining up with England's top young talent next week.
"It's great news and a big opportunity which I'm looking forward to," said the 19-year-old Shropshire Star columnist.
"I only found out on Thursday night and I was shocked. I had a phone call from one of the lads saying congratulations and I didn't know what they were talking about.
"It was a big surprise and I don't really know what the schedule is for the week - but I'm sure it will be a great experience.
"I'm not expecting to go in there and walk straight into the first team but hopefully it will be a platform to build on for the future."
Hart's latest international call-up follows on from England under 18 and under 19 caps in the recent past.
And he insists the prospect of a call-up hadn't crossed his mind, despite the manager who splashed out a fee which could rise to £1.5 million for him last season, taking over the under-21 post.
"I obviously knew the gaffer had got the job but I just assumed my chances of being picked were the same as before," he added.
"And as I wasn't really in contention before, I had no reason to believe I would be in the reckoning now.
"But it's a big honour and something I'm really looking forward to."
With first team opportunities at City limited, Hart may be sent out for a second loan of the season when the emergency window reopens next week.
He has already spent one month at League One outfit Tranmere throughout January.
* Shrewsbury's League Two clash with Rochdale has been rearranged for Tuesday March 27.