Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is undecided who will start in goal for his side's game against Norwich at the weekend following Costel Pantilimon's display against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday. According to the BBC, the City supremo has been left in a quandary as to who to play between the sticks after No.2 Pantilimon put in an assured display last night. Hart is both City and England's first-choice goalkeeper but has been guilty of making a series of clanging mistakes in recent weeks, and has had his position for club and country called into question of late. "Whichever keeper plays will have my support," said Pellegrini.
"Costel normally plays in the League Cup and FA Cup so it was an important game for him."
When pressed on whether the Romanian - who made a series of superb saves against Newcastle, including brilliantly denying Papiss Cisse in extra time - would retain his place, Pellegrini was coy. "I have just told you I will think about that on Thursday," was the Chilean's response. Pantilimon didn't do any harm to his stake for more regular first team football last night, as City kept a clean sheet to reach the quarter finals of the Capital One Cup. Pellegrini said of the 26-year-old:
"He always has my trust and the trust of all the team - that is why he is here. "He is a good player and is not playing too much because Hart played this year and last year but I trust him and for him and for the whole team to keep a clean sheet after six games is very important."
Earlier this week, we reported that Pelegrini is seriously contemplating Hart's future after a number of mistakes, and has the likes of Iker Casillas of Real Madrid earmarked as a replacement.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
