Pellegrini confirms Hart will start Euro tie against Plzen after England keeper sits out Spurs thrashing

PUBLISHED: 11:38 EST, 24 November 2013 | UPDATED: 11:49 EST, 24 November 2013

View
comments

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Joe Hart will start against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The England goalkeeper has been on the bench for City's last three league games but will make his return to the starting XI after being dropped following a series of high-profile errors.

Speaking to Sky Sports after his side's 6-0 win against Tottenham on Sunday, Pellegrini said: 'Joe Hart will play on Wednesday.'

Back in favour: Joe Hart will start against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Wednesday after watching Manchester City's 6-0 win over Tottenham from the bench

Warming up: Hart prepares to face Spurs but remained an unused substitute during his side's win

Clean sheet: Costel Pantilimon kept out Spurs at the Etihad but will make way for Hart on Wednesday

The former Birmingham City loanee impressed on international duty for England on Tuesday, making a number of fine saves during the Three Lions' 1-0 friendly defeat to Germany at Wembley.

He will replace Costel Pantilimon in goal against the Czech side, with City having already wrapped up qualification for the knockout stages of Europe's elite club competition.

Earlier this week Pellegrini told Sky Sports News Arabia: 'I think at this moment that maybe Joe needs a rest but we still have a lot of trust in Joe and he's still a very important player in our squad.

'I am absolutely sure that this will be an important thing for him to come back to his performances of the last two years.'

Looking on: Hart watches his team-mate Pantilimon keep a clean sheet against Tottenham on Sunday

Man in form: Hart was back to his best during England's 1-0 defeat to Germany on Tuesday

Hart has not played for City since gifting Chelsea's Fernando Torres a late winner at Stamford Bridge on October 27.

He kept a clean sheet during his side's win against Plzen in mid-September, as goals from Edin Dzeko, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero sealed a comfortable three points away from home.

More...

MOST WATCHED SPORT VIDEOS

Comments (9)

Share what you think

The comments below have not been moderated.

quesera, Wiltshire, 7 hours ago

Hart is not good enough never has been , not in the top 3 in the Premiership Trautman, Swift and Corrigan were the best this family has seen

Click to rate

Amos, Asia - UK, 7 hours ago

So if Spurs wants to be successful they have to prove their club is not worth fighting for like the old city.

Click to rate

IAC, somewhere, United Kingdom, 9 hours ago

pantilimon

Click to rate

will-kat, USA, 9 hours ago

Good luck joe, England needs you !!!!!

Click to rate

Lancashire Loudmouth, Lancashire, United Kingdom, 10 hours ago

Good, I'll look forward to watching him charging out of the area trying to be a hero and allowing the opposition to walk the ball in the empty net.

Click to rate

Jonathan Derby, Land of the Gooners, United Kingdom, 12 hours ago

Manuel Pellegrini could have went in goal and Spurs wouldn't have scored! Even if they got a penalty for the penalty king Soldado! hahahahhahahahahah Pathetic team!!! Europa waits!