Joe reveals City Hart-ache

England Under-21 international joins Birmingham on loan

Last updated: 24th June 2009  

Joe reveals City Hart-ache

Hart: Birmingham loan

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Joe Hart has revealed his frustration at being pushed into the background at Manchester City after agreeing a season-long loan move to Birmingham.

The England Under-21 international, regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game, will spend the 2009/10 season with the Premier League newcomers.

Hart had established himself as the first choice at Eastlands before the January arrival of Shay Given saw him lose his place in the side.

The former Shrewsbury youngster, who has been capped once by the senior England side, will now be hoping to push his way into Fabio Capello's plans with the benefit of regular first-team action.

But he has admitted that finding himself dumped to the bench following Republic of Ireland international Given's arrival from Newcastle was not a pleasant experience.

Tough

Hart told Man City's official website: "It has been tough. It's frustrating, but there's only one person can play in goal and Shay's doing that at the moment.

"I've had to deal with it the best I can. It's not been ideal, but it's not the end of the world."

Hart's move to Birmingham had been mooted last week, but could not be finalised until City had brought in sufficient cover, which arrived with the signing of Stuart Taylor from Aston Villa on Tuesday.

City boss Mark Hughes believes all parties will benefit from Hart's move to join Alex McLeish's men and hailed his displays at Eastlands before being replaced by Given.

Talent

He added: "I have always said that Joe is a really good young keeper, and his talent was obvious to (goalkeeping coach) Kevin Hitchcock and I from the outset.

"His contribution to the team prior to Shay Given's arrival was fantastic, but by loaning him to Birmingham, he will add invaluable experience to that already gained here at City.

"I know he will relish the prospect of regular Premier League action, which is vital at this stage in his career."

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