Former England 'keeper David Seaman gives Joe Hart his vote for Player Of The Year

Joe Hart has got the nod for England Player of the Year by his one of his goalkeeping idols.

The Manchester City 'keeper is amongst five candidates up for the award, with voting closing last week ahead of next month's England Awards 2013.

But David Seaman, one of Hart's goalkeeping idols, told TheFA.com that his impressive form with club and country throughout 2012 was enough to earn his vote.

The former Arsenal and England star said: "I love watching Joe Hart in goal because he gives you confidence that he knows what he’s doing without being flash. 
 
"He always remains positive and calm if he makes a rare mistake, which is what you want from a goalkeeper."

Seaman won 75 England caps during a distinguished career and also finished his own playing career with Manchester City.

And the 49-year-old believes that consistency is key if Hart is to follow in his footsteps and carve out a long career at international and club level.

"It’s all about playing games and Joe has done that throughout his time at Shrewsbury Town and all the way to the very top at Manchester City," added Seaman.

"If you do make a mistake then you’ve got the experience to deal with it.

"Being in goal is an isolated position and if you do make a mistake then it’s absolute murder, especially if there’s a gap between games because you just want to make amends."

The Manchester City connection isn't the only parallel that Seaman and Hart share.

Both 'keepers made their professional debuts in the Football League and enjoyed spells at Birmingham City before taking over the number one shirt for England.

And it's a route to the top which Seaman thoroughly approves of.

“Starting at the bottom and working your way up is fantastic for your career and you don’t see it too often these days,” added Seaman, who made almost 100 appearances for Peterborough United in the old Fourth Division after being released by his boyhood favourites Leeds United.

“People might say that Joe hasn’t got anyone really pushing him at club level but he doesn’t need that competition because you can see how motivated he is and how eager he is to improve by the way he carries himself.

"He won the Premier League with Manchester City and played in his first major international senior tournament at the Euros and I was massively impressed with him throughout 2012."

The winner of England's Player Of The Year for 2012 will be announced at the England Awards 2013, held at St. George's Park on Sunday 3 February.