Hart flattered by Ferguson praise

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has welcomed praise from Sir Alex Ferguson as a “great honour”.

Ferguson claimed last month that he regretted his decision not to sign Hart from Shrewsbury for 100,000 pounds years before he moved to City in a 1.5-million-pound deal in 2006.

Hart has since become first-choice for England and is now considered one of the leading goalkeepers in world football.

Speaking to Goal.com, the 24-year-old admitted he was flattered by the Scot’s comments but insisted he is quite happy to stay at Etihad Stadium for the next decade.

“It’s a great honour that someone like Sir Alex Ferguson goes out of his way to mention my name,” Hart told Goal.com.

“Hopefully it speaks volumes for how I’m doing at the moment.”

“For someone who I respect greatly and who I grew up admiring in football to say that is a great honour.”

“I’m not quite sure what he meant by it but he’s got fantastic goalkeepers there with Lindegaard and David de Gea. And I’m quite happy on the other side of the city.”

“I love Manchester City, I love playing for them. I’m really proud to have signed a long-term contract last summer and hopefully that can continue for a long time to come.”

One player who does not have such a certain future at the club is Carlos Tevez, who has not played for City for five months but is pencilled in to return for the title run-in after settling his differences with manager Roberto Mancini.

Mancini has welcomed Tevez’s return as City battle with rivals Manchester United for the Premier League title – but Hart has warned the Argentine that he cannot expect to walk straight back into the team.

Asked how Tevez had been received by the rest of the squad after returning to Manchester last month following a three-month exile, Hart said: “Fine. You’ve got to play. I don’t really have too much of an off-the-field relationship with him so football-wise, I’m happy he’s here.”

“If he comes back to how we know Carlos Tevez can play then I’m sure he will help (the title challenge).”

“Whether he can get in the team is another question. The boys have earned their right to play and I’m sure Carlos understands that.”