Hart one of the best - Taylor

Players' union boss Gordon Taylor claims Manchester City's Joe Hart has developed into "one of the finest goalkeepers around".

The 24-year-old has been a key part of the Barclays Premier League's meanest defence and his outstanding season has been recognised with a nomination for PFA Players' Player of the Year. Hart began his career at Shrewsbury and has had loans at Tranmere, Blackpool and Birmingham since joining City but is now established as England's number one. Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, said: "I recall when he went to Birmingham on loan. "I rang him and told him to keep faith because he had been a quality player in the lower divisions. I didn't want him to feel it was a setback and told him to use the experience. "He has maintained his faith in his ability and his record since then has been excellent, both for England and Man City, with his clean sheets and his confidence. I think he has got to be one of the finest goalkeepers around now."