West Ham boss David Moyes has given a frank warning to goalkeeper Joe Hart, informing the Manchester City loanee that the Hammers’ Premier League status is more important than his demands for regular action.
The England stopper was unavailable for last weekend’s defeat to his parent side and was left out of the starting line-up on Saturday for the 1-0 win over Chelsea, following an impressive performance from Adrian.
Hart is set to remain on the bench for the midweek clash with Arsenal, and the foreseeable future, with Moyes making the situation clear to the stopper. When asked about his decision and how Hart took it, the Scottish boss told The Daily Mirror:
“I thought he was very good. He wasn’t happy. I told him the reason why and that happens at clubs all over the country. It’s a manager’s job. Part of that is relaying the messages to your players, when I came in I said I will tell you straight, I wouldn’t kid anybody.”
Hart isn’t out of the picture entirely though and will be called upon between now and the end of the season, with the Hammers facing a crucial period ahead of them.
“We’ve got competition and because of that he has to be ready to get back into the team. Joe will play lots of games between now and the end of the season there’s no doubt about that.”
“When the opportunity comes round again he has to be ready for it. Clean sheet, no mistakes, so on that evidence I would think so but things can change in training. There could be an injury.”
“Joe is incredibly experienced. World Cup, Champions League football. So he’s such an important player for us. Even in the dressing room, having him around the place. Obviously, ultimately he wants to play but I’ve got to do what’s best for West Ham, pick the players I think will get us a result.”
