Hart stopper as City ride luck

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says he was convinced his side would win their penalty shoot–out against FC Midtjylland before he inspired them to victory and a place in the UEFA Cup.

The Barclays Premier League side rode their luck to progress to the first round with a 4–2 shoot–out win in Denmark.

Manager Mark Hughes hailed Hart as a “big character” after he saved two penalties to allow Vedran Corluka to hit the winning spot–kick.

Having lost 1–0 in the first leg at Eastlands earlier this month, City knew the size of the task ahead in their second qualifying round return leg at the SAS Arena in Herning.

But after an abject display in normal time it was only an own goal by defender Danny Califf in the 89th minute which forced extra–time and extended their interest in the competition.

And when Hart saved two penalties in the shoot–out, it was left to Corluka to stroke home the kick to spare City’s blushes.

Hart revealed he was never in doubt which side would triumph in the spot–kicks.

As for his technique, he said: “I’m 100-per-cent convinced I’m right but sometimes I dive the wrong way!