Mancini has faith in Hart

  • Wednesday, 12 January, 2011
  • Joe Hart in action against Bulgaria.
  • Joe Hart
  • Joe Hart

Man City boss backs Hart and dismisses Buffon talk.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has been given a seal of approval by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini after the club were linked to Juventus stopper Gianluigi Buffon.

The Italian was once on the radar of the Eastlands club, but Mancini says that he has every faith in Hart and is not interested in signing a replacement number one.

"The way I see it is that Buffon remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world," he added. "But we have decided for some time to point on Hart, who is a young player with enormous potential.

"We believe so much in him to the point of having sacrificed a great number one like (Shay) Given. Hence, I can categorically say that we will never make any offers for Buffon."

Hart has had a great season for both club and country. He was handed his first England start in August and kept hold of his place for the first three Euro 2012 qualifiers as well, taking his overall caps to seven.

The Three Lions have not lost a game in which Hart has featured, and in his seven appearances he's conceded only twice; a Phil Jagielka own goal against the Hungarians and a screamer from Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri in September's 3-1 victory in Basle.

To vote for Joe in the England Player of the Year award, click here

What Do You Think?

  • I am absolutely glad that such a coach as Mancini has declared full faith in such a budding goalkeeper as Hart. This will certainly do the England national team good! THANKS MANCINI FOR THE SUPPORT YOU GIVE! Dr. Mark Said from Malta.By fabfan (27 months ago)