Roy Hodgson has praised ‘top-class’ Joe Hart after his performance for West Ham during their 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The England goalkeeper, who has come under increasing pressure to be ousted from the Three Lions No.1 spot after shaky performances at both domestic and international level, made a string of good saves at Selhurst Park.
The Manchester City loanee twice saved well from former Hammer James Tomkins to keep Slaven Bilic side in the lead, before Wilfried Zaha’s 96th minute equaliser cost the east Londoners two points.
Hodgson, under whom Hart played 45 times for England, was full of praise for his former No.1 and said it must be nice for Gareth Southgate to know he still has a top-class ‘keeper at his disposal.
“He was excellent,” Hodgson said.
“I know Joe, he played in almost every one of the 57 games I had with England. When he didn’t play it was because we wanted to give someone else the chance to show what they could do.
“It is no surprise to me that West Ham have a top-class goalkeeper who, when needed – and they needed him – can respond.
“So well done, Joe – pity that you didn’t have a bad game.
“It must be nice for Gareth Southgate and England to know that they’ve still got a goalkeeper of his class.”
