Ben's Banter: Joe Hart on Ngog's dive and playing for England

English Football League / Ben Herd / 11 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

"We were robbed; Ngog has clearly dived to win the penalty for the equaliser."

Aldershot's right back climbs up the divisions this week to talk to Birmingham City goalkeeper Joe Hart before he jets off to Qatar for England's friendly against Brazil.

Over the last few seasons I haven't progressed to the second round of the FA Cup, so it was very satisfying beating Bury 2-0 and being in the hat for round two.

The game against Bury was the last in charge for our caretaker management team, Jason Dodd and Paul Williams. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them both on behalf of all the lads because they have been first class since they came in.

Because we only played Bury a few weeks ago, I didn't want to bore you by interviewing another Bury player, so instead I caught up with my old team-mate and good friend, Joe Hart, just before he jetted off to Qatar with the rest of the England squad.

So Joe, what was it like nearly nicking three points at Anfield?

We were robbed; Ngog has clearly taken a dive to win the penalty for the equaliser. For the game itself, we knew the crowd may get on their backs so we wanted to try and frustrate them as much as possible. We didn't have much good possession, but we took our two goals really well, although Liverpool had plenty of good chances, they failed to score them and just for that we deserved to get something out of the game.

How did it feel being called up for the England squad? And how do you rate your chances of being on the plane to South Africa?

It felt great being called up again for the senior team, it shows that I am doing something right at Birmingham. As for my chances of making the World Cup squad, it would be an absolute dream, but I don't think at this moment I am in the top three goalkeeper reckoning - I believe that I may be relying on someone else's misfortune in terms of injuries. I don't put too much pressure on myself, I just go and approach every game the same and always try and do my best. I am still relatively young for a goalkeeper, so time's on my side for now.

Just how disappointed were you that Man City brought Shay Given to replace you and then sent you out on loan?

I don't take it personally - that's football for you. City have replaced me with a world class goalkeeper in Shay Given, so it is hard to argue with that. Once again, I am still young and learning so going out to Blues for a season is a massive plus because I can still play in the top League and show people what I am all about.

You started off at Shrewsbury with me in League 2. Do you believe enough higher League managers take a chance on lower league talent?

Yes and no. I believe that because there are a lot of foreign managers in the top flight, they don't fully appreciate the strength in depth that this country has in terms of the ability up and down the leagues. I was lucky really, Stuart Pearce who spotted me, has a very good knowledge of the lower leagues, with himself playing non-league football until he was 22. As with a lot of things, it is sometimes a case of right time, right place, and someone liking the look of you, but the talent is definitely there.

What targets have you laid out for your career?

None really. My philosophy is that I take each day as it comes, and do not put much pressure on myself. I don't get too carried away when things are going well and I am getting plenty of plaudits. The same can be said that if I am having a bad time and getting caned, I don't get too down beat. After all, I am doing a job I feel very privileged to be doing.

Finally, what advice would you give a young kid with dreams of making it in the game?

Enjoy what you're doing, it is very important to do something that you thoroughly enjoy. Don't be pushed into doing something you don't want to do. Always give 100% in training and matches. And finally, give it absolutely everything you've got because if you don't quite make it, then you can be proud of yourself that you gave it a right good go!


Football

Favourite Premier League Player? Steven Gerrard
Favourite player outside the Premier League? Gianluigi Buffon
Manager you'd most like to work under? Jose Mourinho
Club you'd most like to play for? Shrewsbury - again.

Best mate in Football? Too many to single one out
Messiest eater? Micah Richards- He's a creature!
Biggest ladies man? Ismael Miller
Worse Dressed team-mate? Dietmar Hamann

Non-football

Dream date? Pamela Anderson
Favourite TV programme? 24
Favourite shop? Intro
Worst vice? Not waking up on time
Biggest pet hate? Judgmental People

50/50

Chinese or Curry? Chinese
Dani Minouge or Cheryl Cole? Dani Minogue
Strictly or The X Factor? X factor
Pro Evo or Fifa? Niether
Michael Buble or Akon? Akon