Man City keeper Hart backing Man Utd’s Foster for Birmingham success

Joe Hart is backing Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster to be a big hit at Birmingham City.

Hart is leaving St Andrews to return to parent club Manchester City after this season's successful loan.

He has no doubts that Foster, starved of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford, will be an ideal replacement.

Hart said: "I think Ben will do it easily (follow me). He is a fantastic keeper. Ben has had some harsh criticism at Manchester United this season but, if he does turn out to be the Birmingham keeper next season, he will do a good job."

Hart wanted to remain at Birmingham but accepts the final say was with Manchester City.

He said: "I just waited for my orders, and my orders were that I went back.

"I am contracted to Manchester City so that's where I will be. I will admit, it's sad. But it was out of my hands. If I could have stayed at Birmingham, I would, but it wasn't down to me.

"I didn't really want to leave but I was told that I have to. It's just the way football is."