Sven is convinced Hart can play for England

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes goalkeeper Joe Hart will play for England and admitted he could be named in Fabio Capello's first squad.

Capello's first game as England manager will be against Switzerland next month and 20-year-old Hart has emerged as a possible rival for Paul Robinson, who became first choice during qualifying for the 2006 World Cup while Sven was in charge.

Hart has played 12 Premier League games since September, conceding 13 goals. But six of those came in one match at Chelsea.

Eriksson said: "I said weeks ago that he has the chance to be an England goalkeeper in the future.

"I don't know whether it's time now, Capello has to decide that, and I'll be happy with whatever happens.

"I don't think Joe Hart expects to be in the full side. He's the youngest goalkeeper we have."

Eriksson praised Hart for impressive saves that denied Carlton Cole and Mark Noble during a 1-1 draw with West Ham.

He said: "Joe played very well yet again. He has a great future and is a fantastic goalkeeper for his age.

"He's rather big, he's good on crosses and he's very brave.

"The only thing that's missing is experience. You cannot buy experience - you have to stand there between the posts and let it happen over the years."

It was City's second game against West Ham this week and Hart managed to keep a clean sheet when they met in an FA Cup third round replay on Wednesday.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said: "Hart has been excellent in the two games and is probably the reason why we've not won both of them.

"I'm a little bit disappointed but it's great credit to the players that they deserved to be the first team to win here."

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