South Africa World Cup news: Don't rush Joe Hart, urges McLeish

15/02/2010

Joe Hart deserves to go to the South Africa World Cup with England - but Fabio Capello should not rush the youngster into the number one jersey.

This is the view of the goalkeeper's club manager Alex McLeish, who expressed his confidence that Hart has already done enough this season to guarantee him a place in the England squad.

Many people argue that the position of keeper is still up for grabs, with current incumbent Robert Green yet to impose himself in the role. Fellow contenders include David James - who has shoulder problems - and Ben Foster, who has not played since November 2009.

McLeish said Hart will be up to the England challenge, but that Three Lions boss Capello should blood the 22-year-old rather than throwing him in at the deep end.

"It would be better to be fed into the system before you embark on a World Cup finals, because if you make one error in South Africa it is there for the whole world to see," he said.

Hart has one cap for England, having come on as a half-time substitute for David James in the 3-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in 2008.

Posted by Katie Leake