Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill admits he's a big fan of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The Northern Irishman played with Pat Jennings in his national side and won two European Cups and a league title with England's most capped player, Peter Shilton, at Nottingham Forest.

"I always compare keepers and Joe Hart has been absolutely fantastic lately," said O'Neill. "He is an exceptional talent and he is getting better as well.

"I first saw him playing for Birmingham City reserves against my Aston Villa team. He was coming back from injury and you could see he was a fine goalkeeper even then.

"I like a brave keeper and he is one of those. Pat Jennings and Peter Shilton were just great keepers and I have had some very good ones over the years such as Tim Flowers, Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel."