Hart is Sven's No1 keeper - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Hart is Sven's No1 keeper

Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted he would not be surprised if Sweden World Cup keeper Andreas Isaksson slaps in a transfer request after being told he had been demoted to Manchester City's number two keeper behind Joe Hart.

After switching the two men around over the past month, Eriksson vowed to make a final decision on his first-choice in the aftermath of Tuesday's Carling Cup defeat by Tottenham.

"I have spoken to Andreas and obviously, he is not very happy," said Eriksson. "I have told him it is up to him whether he leaves or stays and fights for his place."

He added: "It was important for everybody that I came up with this decision before the transfer window opens in January.

"I don't know what Andreas will do but if he comes back and tells me he wants to go, I will not be surprised and I will understand."

Eriksson's decision is a massive vote of confidence in Hart, who was signed by the Swede's predecessor Stuart Pearce in May 2006.

The transfer fee could reach £1.5million depending on how far Hart goes in the game.

And, despite his tender years, Eriksson is convinced full England honours are not beyond the realms of possibility.

"Joe will be my number one for the foreseeable future, which just shows how much belief I have in him," said Eriksson.

"I strongly believe he will be a great goalkeeper. He is only 20 and he will get better and better. He is the England Under-21 keeper and he has a great future."

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