James sings Hart's praises

Keeper backs young rival for international success

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 31st May 2008

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Hart: Star of the future

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David James has tipped Joe Hart to become an England regular, but not just yet.

The Manchester City keeper is expected to be handed his debut against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, just reward after an impressive season between the sticks at Eastlands.

His rival for the No.1 jersey is well aware of the talent possessed by his young understudy from their time together at City, but is not prepared to hand over his gloves just yet.

James has just enjoyed the season of his life at Portsmouth, winning an FA Cup winners' medal and being named in the PFA Premier League team of the season, and as a result he is determined to hang onto his place in the national side for as long as possible.

Potential

"I've been singing Joe's praises for a long time, going back to the week we had in Thailand with Manchester City before I joined Portsmouth," said James.

"The stuff he was doing out there during that short spell was impressive, when he played a couple of games, for such a young keeper.

"There is an eagerness and hunger about him. I think he has the potential to go all the way, so him being here in Trinidad with England is a very positive move by the manager.

"But, if it was Joe Hart or someone who was 35 years old, the viewpoint would always be the same for me - that I want to challenge and retain the England place as often as I can."

Dreams

James added: "Your dream of dreams is that you play every single game from now until the World Cup final in 2010 and win it without anyone else getting a shout.

"But that would be illogical. Therefore people have to be experimented with and that includes the goalkeeping position.

"As much as I want to be the England No.1 forever, or as long as I can, you've got to understand that rotation is going to take place.

"With the likes of Joe doing what he is doing at the moment, competition is going to be good and that can only be beneficial for England as a team."

Maturity

James was also full of praise for another former team-mate, and international colleague, Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.

"Gareth was a tremendous youngster when I was at Villa and being the youngest player to get to 300 Premier League appearances says it all," said the keeper.

"I think the maturity of being Villa captain, and having a decent run with Villa over the last couple of years, has helped him out tremendously.

"I think you can see some progress that Villa are hopefully going to make, and that has given him some encouragement and the performances for England have been excellent.

"I am not surprised with his capabilities and just glad he is consistent enough to keep himself in the frame."