Well to be honest there were a long list of young English keepers who simply

didn't get the chance to gain experience and develop because they were bought by clubs as backups to their foreign starters. Ben Foster, Chris Kirkland (for a long time), Bob whatshisface at Man Utd, Scott Carson, etc.

Who knows ? Had they had decent runs in first teams they may have developed far better.

The English football scene has changed a bit for young keepers. In the past the youngster would get his chance when the 1st choice was injured and sometimes would impress so much he'd push for the starting position. These days if the 1st choice gets hurt they're more likely to spend a couple of million on a stop-gap than let the kid play. At least in the Premier League.

Joe Hart would still be on loan or on his arse had it not been for Mancini coming in.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Mar 31, 11:53:03