Joe Hart and Fraser Forster: A Tale of two English goalkeepers

As much as I respect Manuel Pellegrini as a manager, the change in defensive system that was inevitable with the Chilean’s arrival was really the last thing that Hart needed.

The manager’s preference for a man-marking system while defending set-pieces, the new goalkeeping coach he brought with him, not to forget the obvious differences in organization and tactics – all wholesale changes that Hart has just not been able to cope with, at a time when he was looking for stability and reassurance.

As such, I firmly believe that sticking with Joe Hart in goal is the way to go, at least on the England stage.

What he needs now is a little faith that tells him that even when he is almost down and out, the manager prefers to have him turn out for his country again. Perhaps the experience in itself will help Hart exorcise the demons that haunt him in Manchester City colors today.

At any rate, it may just do him a world of good to be away from an Etihad stadium that looks much like a suffocating cauldron to him today, as opposed to the fortress it has been for a good three years.

On the club stage, Manuel Pellegrini has made the best of a bad situation by publicly backing his keeper, while also letting it be known that he is not averse to selecting Costel Pantilimon in goal, should the situation persist.

That should set the competitive juices flowing, and Hart is sure to relish the chance to once again prove himself worthy of being the undisputed Number 1 at Manchester City. Remember that he is only 26 years old, and definitely made of some stern stuff.

But taking away his place in the England starting eleven would be akin to kicking the man when he’s down, and will not benefit anyone in the long run.

Except Fraser Forster, that is. And although he will not put too much thought into replacing Hart just yet, he will surely be licking his lips at a door that had been closed for so long now. He is certainly capable of donning the big gloves for England – his performances against Barcelona alone have shown us that much.

That it has taken the Champions League to bring his talent into focus does not change the truth that he has been performing consistently in front of a demanding Celtic support for two and a half years now.

A truth that has not escaped the notice of Barcelona right back Dani Alves, who has stated publicly that Forster would be an ideal replacement for Victor Valdes when the latter leaves at the end of the current season.

And since Barcelona have a history of signing the players that their own players recommend (Fabregas and Neymar, most recently) – simply because they can – it would be a fantastic opportunity for the Englishman should he be able to edge out the other big names that have been associated with the role in the recent past.

A fact that has not been lost on his current manager, Neil Lennon, who has said that he will not stand in Forster’s way, should that “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity present itself in due time.

Then, Mr. Hart, you will have a battle on your hands for the coveted England spot. Remember that you have been shown more compassion than even San Iker himself. Do not let it all be to no avail.