Gary Cahill: Joe Hart will silence critics

Joe Hart’s performance will come under the scanner on Friday. (Getty Images)

Chelsea’s Gary Cahill has jumped to the defence of England team-mate Joe Hart, claiming that the Manchester City goalkeeper has the willpower to hit top form again.

Hart had come under fire by both England and Manchester City fans for a slew of goal-keeping errors against Scotland and Cardiff respectively.

“There is always going to be a stage in your career when you make a mistake or two,” Cahill said ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

“We’ll see in the character, the way he can bounce back – that’s the most important thing – but he’s top drawer.”

Hart, who made his international debut in 2008, has been capped 33 times for England. Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has cautioned Hart that his first choice spot is being challenged by second-choice keeper Costel Pantilimon, who at 6’8 is the tallest keeper in the Premier League.

“For the moment Joe will continue being our goalkeeper, but I spoke with him and he knows he must be quickly in his top form again,” Pellegrini said.

England have an important week ahead of them and are hot on the heels of group leader’s Montenegro, who having played a game more, hold a two-point advantage.

England play Moldova, who they crushed 5-0 away last September, before a challenging game against Ukraine on Tuesday.

“People might be coming on Friday hoping we win 4-0, 5-0 or 6-0 – it might not be the case, we might win 1-0,” Cahill said.

“Would that be a bad result? No, of course not – it would be a positive result leading into the second game. So we’ll show them a lot of respect.”