Hart failure will cost him England spot, warns Moyes

WEST HAM boss David Moyes says goalkeeper Joe Hart is well aware that losing his place would have a huge impact on his chances of retaining the position with England.

The on-loan keeper is ineligible for today’s clash with parent club Manchester City so second-choice Adrian will take over for the daunting trip to the runaway Premier League leaders.

But with the World Cup in Russia on the horizon, Hart knows that slipping down the pecking order is something he cannot afford. ‘I’m sure he is aware of that,’ Moyes said. ‘But I’m sure he also knows that if he performs well here, it’s really important for him.

‘He’s done really well in some of the games so far. We’ve needed him for his leadership, his organisation. He’s a man for us in the dressing-room. These things are also important. ‘He’s someone who is always out trying to help the team.

‘Let’s be honest, he knows he is going to get plenty of work here at the moment, with the way we’re defending. He’s getting that just now which means he will be under more pressure than perhaps he has been used to.’

Hart’s position as West Ham’s first choice came under fire following his display in the Hammers’ 4-0 defeat at Everton in midweek.

A sloppy clearance led to Wayne Rooney’s spectacular goal from the halfway line, which completed his hat-trick and left his former England colleague rather red-faced between the sticks.

It’s those sorts of errors that Moyes knows Hart, 30, must cut out if he is to keep Adrian at bay in the long-term and protect his status as England’s first-choice keeper at Russia 2018.

‘I think Joe’s some done some really good things,’ Moyes added. ‘He made a brilliant save against Watford down to his right.

‘I was disappointed the other night. I told him his kick (which led to Rooney completing his hat trick) was poor. It should have either gone into the stand or away somewhere else.

‘I think there’s been mixed bits from Joe. I couldn’t turn around and say that it has all been great. If you can get the jersey then you have always got a chance.’