Cap fits for Joe

Fab: Handing Joe a debut?

Manchester City’s impressive young stopper Joe Hart is being lined up by Fabio Capello to be England’s new No.1.

Hart has been in scintillating form under Sven Goran Eriksson at Manchester City and at only 20-years-old is in the frame to make his debut against France next month in Paris.

Fab wasted no time in wielding the axe as Tottenham’s Paul Robinson and Rob Green of West Ham were left out of the side facing Switzerland.

Hart’s rivals for the spot are the veteran David James, Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson; Manchester United’s highly regarded Ben Foster is still on the sidelines recovering from a serious knee injury.

It’s been a meteoric rise for Hart who was City’s third choice keeper at the start of the season after a £600,000 move from Shrewsbury in 2006.

Meanwhile, the Mirror report that Martin O’Neill is being earmarked as a successor to under-fire Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

Despite a defiant front, Benitez is under pressure to deliver results in the Champions League and cement fourth spot in the Premiership.

‘I understand why I am under pressure, but I have real confidence I will be here for a long time because I am the man to deliver titles for this club,’ said Rafa.

‘My commitment to this club is 100 per cent clear.’

Liverpool have a had a torrid season, there have been constant questions over the ownership of the club, underachievement in the Premier League and a humiliating exit to Barnsley in the FA Cup.

Benitez has had to justify himself in numerous occasions but believes that he can deliver success, he just needs time.

‘Liverpool appoint managers expecting them to win the Premier League, but I can do that. I know where those improvements have to be made.’

‘Look at Arsenal. They have won one cup in three years, but they are now in a position to win a title. It takes time.’

After seven finals and a Champions League win, it would be a sorry state of affairs if he were to be axed after one poor season, but that’s the Premier League for you these days?.

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