When Joe Hart embarked on his loan move to Birmingham City just over a year ago, even he could not have envisaged the transition to England’s number one goalkeeper being so close.
As a Birmingham fan it does not come as a surprise having watched him all of last season, nor does the fact that his return to a more “fashionable” club in Manchester City means he is being praised far more often.
Hart said: “I can’t stress enough how important that year was at Birmingham, I was very grateful to Alex McLeish for giving me that opportunity.” And if we are to going to revel in the 23-year olds dazzling graduation for England then perhaps Birmingham should be credited more so than any other- the move to St Andrews instigated the realisation of his talents.
And those talents are now blossoming under the spotlight that has always shone on England’s number one spot. Hart’s save from Stanislav Angelov to stop a Bulgaria equaliser was an indicator that Capello was wrong in his suspicion of inexperience and although hardship is yet to blemish his admirable modesty it seems England have their best goalkeeping prospect in many a year.
He claimed he goes out and plays with “enjoyment and not fear” and a keepy uppy cameo did little to disprove his theory against Bulgaria.
Whilst some may have seen it as inappropriate in a competitive game others will have endorsed it, feeling that his spontaneity is just what England need after the dull predictability of the so called “Golden Generation”.
His rise in stature and presence when farmed out to Birmingham City in search of a change of fortune coupled with the failings of his England competitors should be paid homage to, not ignored. Alex McLeish’s faith in the youngster was pivotal in his progression.
Ray Clemence described his performance against Tottenham a few weeks ago “a bit special” and the unassuming manner in which he conducts himself is quite uplifting in the dawn of a new era and as England set upon their road to recovery, they can do so safe in the knowledge they have in my opinion the best keeper in the country right now – the number one spot may finally have met its match.
A welcome addition to the Premier League’s Wag arena – Click on image below to view gallery
