Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterJames Trafford has had a frustrating season at Manchester City following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma but predecessor Joe Hart is certain that the young goalkeeper has a big future.Trafford is expected to line up for City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, with Pep Guardiola regularly giving him opportunities in knockout competitions this season.The 23-year-old has played every minute in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and was in goal as City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the final of the latter tournament in March, making a fine triple save at one point.Latest Videos From You may like Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper reveals hidden respect between club rivals James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma Aston Villa rivalled by European giants for England goalkeeper signing: report Theres no better feeling than going to a World Cup, walking out before a game, seeing all the England fans there and knowing the whole world is watching Why Jordan Pickford thrives for the Three Lions Why Hart's a fanJoe Hart won five trophies during many successful years with City, as they developed into a winning machine following the takeover of Sheikh Mansour, and has followed Traffords progress for some time.The young keeper started his career in Citys youth system, before joining Burnley after a loan spell at Bolton. City took up a buy-back option last summer.Ive certainly been impressed with him I remember his loans, especially his Bolton loan, which was really big for him, the TNT Sports pundit tells FourFourTwo, ahead of the FA Cup final. He was unbelievable there how many was it, nine or 10 clean sheets in a row? It was getting ridiculous.With England under 21s, he won the tournament with the penalty save against Spain in the final Cole Palmer, his team-mate, saying Dont worry, its fine, hell save it.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Then signing for Burnley, that first season was difficult in the Premier League, but it was a great experience, then however many clean sheets he got in the Championship.I think he was the best keeper, statistically, to play in the Championship, and at a relatively young age. Then he got the move back to City, so hes been progressing so well.Hart has been seen speaking to Trafford after a match at the Etihad this season, and has been happy to offer his experience where helpful. What to read next Leeds United want to make ambitious Manchester City signing with first-team football guarantee My shootout save in 2018 was a huge moment for me and the team. Wed moved on from being the underachievers to a nation that genuinely believed Jordan Pickford on ending Englands penalty hoodoo 'I loved playing under Ange' Ex-Celtic goalkeeper hails Australian's straight-talking style James made it pretty clear that I was someone that he looked up to, which is always nice to hear, and if someone goes out of their way to ask if I could help, a little bit of advice, then no problem, he says.We speak as friends now. Any way I can be there for him, he knows I will be. I think the world of him. I want to help him, keep him grounded, keep him moving forward. Youve just got to be there for someone and hear what theyve got to say. If theyve got any questions, I do my best to answer.Im no guru, Im just a friend James seems like the kind of person who doesnt want to hear rubbish, he wants real people around him. Were very similar I feel I can chat to a lot of goalkeepers, its nice.England's next number one?Trafford had expected to be Citys first-choice goalkeeper when he agreed to return to the club last summer, only for Donnarumma to sign before the end of the transfer window.Hart also previously found himself as Citys number two in unexpected circumstances, dropped when Guardiola arrived, and explains how a goalkeeper copes with that situation.You just do its just life, he says. Obviously, we all want things to go our way. When they dont, I think youll often find that the successful people are willing to stand up for themselves.Outside the transfer window, theres no point in even thinking about not being a Manchester City player. Hes still had great opportunities, hes found a way to work with the club, a way to keep progressing. Ideally he wants to play every game, but hes played in all of the domestic cup competitions.Hes got an opportunity to shine in the FA Cup. Hes got one bit of silverware this season and hes looking for another.Regular England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is now 32, and while he doesnt look likely to lose his Three Lions spot any time soon, Trafford appears to be at the right age to potentially take the jersey when it does become available.Hart, though, says its too early to start thinking about that. Its all about timing, isnt it? he says. Jordans in possession, and rightfully so at the moment. Hes been brilliant since he took over the gloves.Its not a time to talk about successors, in my opinion, while Jordans doing what hes doing. Everyones running their own race, just like Jordan is.James will be running his own race. Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope, up-and-coming goalkeepers like James Beadle at Birmingham this season. No-ones promised anything.Hart was talking ahead of a month like no other, with five major football finals live on TNT Sports & HBO Max kicking off with the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday. Enjoy a full day of FA Cup coverage live on TNT Sports & HBO Max from 9am.TOPICSJames TraffordJoe HartManchester CityEnglandFA CupChris FlanaganSocial Links NavigationSenior Staff WriterChris joined FourFourTwo in 2015 and has reported from more than 20 countries, in places as varied as Ivory Coast and the Arctic Circle. He's interviewed Pele, Zlatan and Santa Claus (it's a long story), as well as covering the World Cup, AFCON and the Clasico. He previously spent 10 years as a newspaper journalist, and completed the 92 in 2017.
