Hart - No Rio distraction

Goalkeeper focused on becoming England's 'rock' at Euro 2012

Last Updated: June 8, 2012 7:55am

Joe Hart: Staying focused on his own game and will not become distracted by Rio Ferdinand issue

Joe Hart has acknowledged that England cannot allow the Rio Ferdinand saga to damage their European Championship build-up.

Roy Hodgson's decision not to select Ferdinand has caused a storm and there have been reports of divisions within the squad over the matter.
The Manchester United defender's representative criticised the Football Association for showing a 'lack of respect' after Martin Kelly was called up to replace the injured Gary Cahill rather than Ferdinand.
FA chairman David Bernstein has insisted that he only wants to talk about players that are part of the squad, and Hart admits he and his team-mates must not let it become a distraction in Poland and Ukraine.
"It can't be," he said. "We've just got to concentrate on who's in the squad and how we're going to win."

Long road

Hart is staying focused on his own performances and has set his sights on being England's "rock" at Euro 2012, although he concedes he has a long way to go to match the country's goalkeeping greats.
Despite having only 18 caps to his name and never playing at a major finals, Manchester City star Hart is already being compared to Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton, as well as his hero, David Seaman.
New England boss Roy Hodgson has suggested the 25-year-old could be England's key man at Euro 2012, stressing how vital Banks and Shilton had been for their various managers.
But Hart, who will make his finals debut in Monday's Euro 2012 Group D opener against France said: "People get wrapped up in the moment and comparisons are easily made.
"I've got a long way to go to get anywhere near those two goalkeepers that you just mentioned.
"I'm on my journey as a goalkeeper. I've got 18 caps and I want to improve on that at every opportunity, first and foremost being on Monday against France.
"I'm just looking forward to building something and being that rock that England need."

Not untouchable

Hart, who won his first Premier League title this season, insisted that he was relishing the challenge and would be approaching his first major tournament with confidence, not arrogance.
He added: "It's not a case of, 'I am great, I am untouchable'.
"It's just that I know what I can do, I know what I am required to do and I enjoy doing it."
The curse of the goalkeeper is that they tend to be remembered more for their mistakes than by their saves, as Robert Green found out on his own finals debut at the 2010 World Cup.
Hart was among the substitutes then - considered too raw to risk.
He was also a spectator when Seaman was left red-faced by Ronaldinho's chip at the 2002 World Cup, proving even the greats foul up.
Hart admitted he should have done better himself in last year's 2-2 draw with Switzerland during Euro 2012 qualifying.
He said: "If I could go back onto the pitch, rewind the game and start again, I would. But you can't.
"I just don't get too wrapped up in it. I think about it technically and what I could have done better. Was it laziness? Was it whatever? And then I move on."