Aston Villa keeper Shay Given has backed Joe Hart for the role of England captain at some point in his career.

The Manchester City goalkeeper has been one of the names mentioned when discussing who will take over from John Terry,

Now Given, who lost his place at Manchester City to the Englishman, has tipped the 24-year-old to be "around for a number of years" and eventually take over as captain of the national side.

"I think Joe is a big character and someone who could lead his country one day, be it now or in the years to come," said the Republic of Ireland international. "I think he'll be around for a number of years as well, which would give them stability at national level.

"I know some managers have a thing about goalkeepers being captains and I'm slightly biased being a goalkeeper, but I've never seen a problem with that.

"Look at [Iker] Casillas, the Spanish captain, [and they] are European champions and World Cup champions."

Hart joined City in 2006 from Shrewsbury Town.