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Former Manchester City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann has reserved praise for Joe Hart.
Hart has conceded just 27 goals in 35 games and has been a key member of City’s title chasing squad this season and Trautmann, who was part of their 1956 FA Cup winning side, believes their current No1 is one of the finest ‘keepers around.
‘Joe Hart is undoubtedly the best and finest keeper in the UK at the moment,’ said Trautmann.
‘There is a lot of discussion on the Continent right now about the quality of English goalkeepers, but Joe is by far the best. He is very safe and extremely sound, a very talented young keeper in fact.
‘He is assured, in control and from what I’ve seen he’s done very well at international level. This is so vital. Title-winning teams need a top-class goalkeeper.’
And Trautmann, who played over 500 games for City, thinks Hart will have to be at his best in Monday night’s clash with Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.
‘United will be very dangerous opponents for City at home, they always are in these kind of games. It is why Joe will have such an important role to play, but I do like the way he instils confidence to his defence.
‘As a keeper, he has a very big part to play in what will be a massive game. Both keepers will need to be at their best.
Despite being billed as the biggest Manchester derby in history,
Trautmann has played down the games ‘winner-takes-all’ tag.
‘City are in a good position. They’ve been up there throughout the season, but even if they beat United they will still have a lot to do,’ added Trautmann.
‘City have a very tricky game against Newcastle following on from the derby. That won’t be easy, Newcastle are playing well, they were always tough opponents in my day. Right now the priority for City is to beat United.’
