City boss gets behind shot-stopper
Roberto Mancini is confident Joe Hart can become one of the world's best goalkeepers - as long as he puts the work in.
Hart's rise to the top has been swift since departing Shrewsbury for Manchester City in 2006.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper has earned himself the England No.1 spot, as well as displacing Shay Given between the sticks at Eastlands at the start of the season.
However, his recent displays against Leicester and Aston Villa, where he was partly responsible for Darren Bent's winning goal, have seen Hart attract some criticism.
England boss Fabio Capello said earlier this week the keeper must maintain his focus if he wants to become world class.
And City manager Mancini has echoed the Italian's sentiments, insisting Hart will go to strength to strength if he continues to work at his game.
Strong
He told City's official website: "Every player has difficult moments in their career and what he has to do is be strong at this time because when everything is going OK, it is easy for him.
"For a young goalkeeper to receive this criticism is a challenge and he must be strong in the face of it.
"He is always very assured, but it is important to have concentration always. He is improving but I think that he has a chance to improve more because he is young and this is his second year in the first team.
"He can become one of the best goalkeepers in England and the world, but for this to happen he has to want to work and want to improve."
Hart's rise to the top has been swift since departing Shrewsbury for Manchester City in 2006.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper has earned himself the England No.1 spot, as well as displacing Shay Given between the sticks at Eastlands at the start of the season.
However, his recent displays against Leicester and Aston Villa, where he was partly responsible for Darren Bent's winning goal, have seen Hart attract some criticism.
England boss Fabio Capello said earlier this week the keeper must maintain his focus if he wants to become world class.
And City manager Mancini has echoed the Italian's sentiments, insisting Hart will go to strength to strength if he continues to work at his game.
Strong
He told City's official website: "Every player has difficult moments in their career and what he has to do is be strong at this time because when everything is going OK, it is easy for him.
"For a young goalkeeper to receive this criticism is a challenge and he must be strong in the face of it.
"He is always very assured, but it is important to have concentration always. He is improving but I think that he has a chance to improve more because he is young and this is his second year in the first team.
"He can become one of the best goalkeepers in England and the world, but for this to happen he has to want to work and want to improve."
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