Hart hails Pearce progress

Joe Hart believes England caretaker boss Stuart Pearce has made great strides as a manager since first linking up with him after signing for Manchester City six years ago. Hart has worked closely with Pearce since that move from Shrewsbury to City provided the launchpad to a position to where he is now England's undisputed number one. He then featured under Pearce for the England Under-21s in two European Championship finals in 2007 and 2009 and when part of Fabio Capello's coaching team. Now Pearce is the interim coach for tomorrow's friendly international with the Netherlands at Wembley. Hart said: "Stuart Pearce is a passionate guy. Being involved for England is perfect for him and what he's about. He's always been my gaffer. He's literally always been my gaffer. He bought me from Shrewsbury, which I'm really grateful for, took me to Manchester City and was my manager for the under-21s. "That's what I've always called him (gaffer) even when Mr Capello was in charge. He has developed (as a manager). It's a totally different role from the Manchester City role. City was a club side. He played for them and then was stand-in manager, and did great, and then became permanent manager. "Then he went to the Under-21s, which is all about development and getting people ready for the seniors, and did a great job." Hart admitted: "Maybe he is calmer to when he was playing but, when he was manager at City, he was still very calm for me for what I saw. Obviously we weren't the side we are now so it was different circumstances and aims and target for the season." Hart concedes Fabio Capello's decision to resign last month has left a "gaping hole" but is confident players will adapt quickly. He said: "For me personally now, I've got more of a relationship with the England management team, coming from the Under-21s. That's the only thing I can notice. Apart from that there's a gaping hole where Mr Capello and his staff used to be. That's an obvious difference. "It was a crazy day (when Capello quit), quite interesting to watch as a football fan. There was meetings and announcements and stuff. I didn't follow it too closely because there was nothing I could do. I was pretty sure that as soon as anything happened then I would hear because my family and friends are interested in what's going on. "I just let it play out. You have to adjust and get stronger. We've got a tournament coming up, we've got a big game against Holland and if your heads are elsewhere then you will take a pumping." Captaincy candidates Hart is one of the candidates to be named captain by Pearce against the Dutch and understands the interest in who will replace John Terry. He said: "Apparently it's being announced tomorrow who Stuart wants to be captain so that one's in the dark for all of us. "Of course I'd like to be captain. I'm sure everyone in the squad would say the same. I think it matters to the individual. Being captain is a great honour. I don't think people are too obsessed with it. It's a great honour to have that role with England."