Red Roo hails heroic Hart

Joe Hart was hailed as the world’s best goalkeeper by Wayne Rooney after a stunning performance kept alive Manchester City’s Champions League hopes.

The United striker was quick to praise City’s number one – his England team–mate – after Hart produced a series of world–class saves in a 1–1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium last night.

Though City also created a number of chances, Hart’s performance kept them in the contest before Mario Balotelli snatched a first point in Group D with a contentious last–minute penalty.

Hart denied the German champions on eight occasions and Rooney – whose club boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in the crowd – was one of many observers hugely impressed.

Rooney wrote afterwards: “Joe Hart has been incredible.”

Hart could do little to prevent Dortmund taking the lead just after the hour, although he got a hand to Marco Reus’ shot, after Jack Rodwell gifted the forward possession.

After that Dortmund stepped up the pressure but were unable to add to their lead and were left seething when Neven Subotic was harshly ruled to have handled at point–blank range from Sergio Aguero.

Roman Weidenfeller, who also had a fine game, could not save from substitute Balotelli from the spot and City escaped with a draw.

City boss Roberto Mancini said: “Joe Hart saved us from an incredible defeat because he saved everything and we should say thank you to him.”






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