David Moyes has sought to reassure Joe Hart that he will give him opportunities to revive his career at West Ham United before the World Cup.
Hart has not played in the Premier League since 29 November, leaving the goalkeeper vulnerable to losing his place as England’s No1 to Stoke City’s Jack Butland or Everton’s Jordan Pickford, and it is a measure of his reduced status that he will fill in for Adrián when West Ham visit Shrewsbury Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who started his career at Shrewsbury, has been disappointing since joining on a season-long loan from Manchester City last July. West Ham’s defence has improved since he was replaced by Adrián, who impressed in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. However Moyes insisted that Hart’s immediate prospects did not depend on West Ham going on a Cup run.
“Joe will play a lot of Premier League games this season as well,” West Ham’s manager said. “I keep saying it. I thought Adrián pulled off one brilliant save at Tottenham when he put a shot over the bar in the first half and he has done well in the games he has played.
“I am sure he is not overly happy with it but Joe is a top professional. I’m sure he’s had an understudy to him for 90% of his career and I think he’s acted in a really good manner. I’ve no doubt Joe will play Premier League games between now and the end of the season.”
West Ham’s trip to New Meadow will be their third game in six days but a growing injury list could stop Moyes from making changes against Shrewsbury, who are second in League One. Michail Antonio faces a late fitness test on a groin injury and Marko Arnautovic is a doubt after missing the Tottenham game.
“Marko has got two tight hamstrings,” Moyes said. “Neither of them are pulled. He only really felt them the morning of the Tottenham game. He is too important to us with the games we have coming up to risk him.”
