Will James Trafford be England's next regular goalkeeper? It's all about timing I'll always be there for him as a friend, and the FA Cup final is another opportunity to shine' Joe Hart lifts the lid on his chats with the Manchester City shot-stopper

"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."

"Joe 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 Trafford's progress for some time. The young keeper started his career in City's youth system, before joining Burnley after a loan spell at Bolton. City took up a buy-back option last summer."

"I've 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 Don't worry, it's fine, he'll save it'. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. 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."

James Trafford is expected to start for Manchester City in the FA Cup final, with Pep Guardiola giving him opportunities in knockout competitions. Trafford has played every minute in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and was goalkeeper as City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final in March, including a triple save. Joe Hart believes Trafford’s future is bright and points to his development through loan spells and early success. Hart highlights Trafford’s Bolton loan, his clean-sheet run, and his England Under-21 tournament win with a penalty save against Spain. Hart also credits Trafford’s Championship performance at Burnley and his progression back to City after a buy-back.

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