England goalkeeper Joe Hart has admitted that he aspires to be as good as Gordon Banks one day, and that he will look to be a steady hand for the Three Lions this summer.

Roy Hodgson's men are in preparation for their Euro 2012 opener against France on Monday, and the Manchester City stopper will be between the sticks for the English side.

Hart has spoken of his heroes growing up, and admitted that Banks, and particularly the save from Pele's header in the 1970 World Cup, are a source of inspiration.

“When I was growing up it was David Seaman, national keeper and a wonderful player for Arsenal. I always pester Patrick Vieira about him. Also Peter Schmeichel, who took the game by storm and won everything," he told reporters, published by The Telegraph.

“Banks is spoken of so highly around the world. We all know about the save. I’ve got a long way to go to get anywhere near him. I’m on my journey as a goalkeeper.

“I’ve got 18 caps and I want to improve on that at every opportunity. I’m just looking forward to being that rock that England need. It’s not a case of ‘I’m great, I’m untouchable’. It’s just that I know what I can do, I know what I am required to do and I enjoy doing it. I love improving.

“There have been stages when things haven’t gone great for me like when I was left on the bench when Shay Given came in at City, but there’s no point getting lost in it and doubting yourself," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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