Brought to Manchester City in 2006 by England U-21 coach Stuart Pearce, goalkeeper Joe Hart has found himself a high-profile victim of City's new-found wealth. With a FIFA World Cup year looming and his chances at Eastlands limited, Hart opted to go out on loan to Birmingham City in the summer of 2009. It has proven to be a great decision as the 23-year-old was in sparkling form for Alex McLeish's side this season, earning numerous plaudits along the way.

Hart's professional career began at his home town club Shrewsbury during the 2003/04 season. By the 2005/06 campaign he had become their first-choice keeper and was occupying the same position for England U-19s by the time he arrived at Manchester City. Unable to make an impact there, Hart went out on loan to Tranmere Rovers, and his form was soon rewarded with promotion to the ranks of the U-21s. With more experience under his belt, having also spent time on loan at Blackpool, Hart fought off strong competition from Sweden No1 Andreas Isaksson on his return to City to become Sven-Goran Eriksson's first choice keeper. The arrival of Republic of Ireland international Shay Given pushed Hart down the pecking order, but Hart now finds himself with an equally strong reputation.

Once described by Eriksson as one of the biggest goalkeeping talents in England, Hart is known for his fine decision-making and great reflexes. He was handed his full England debut by Fabio Capello at half-time in the friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in June 2008, having been a regular for England U-21s. A young keeper with huge potential, Hart is now tipped by many to be England's future No1.