Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given believes that his former Manchester City teammate Joe Hart will improve his game as he gains more experience.

The 24-year-old is already England's number one keeper and has secured a steady starting spot in Roberto Mancini's lineup at Man City.

Given, who left the Etihad Stadium for Villa Park after being pushed out by Hart, has tipped the former Shrewsbury Town player for success.

"Joe has done really well for the last four or five seasons," said Given. "He is at a fantastic club, with some of the best players in the world. And Joe is one of them. But the thing is, he is still very young. In goalkeeping terms he has got years ahead of him.

"This year he played in the Champions League, which he hadn't done before, and in the summer he will play in a European ­Championships, which he hasn't done before. That will help him improve. You can't buy experience and the more he plays, the more he will gain."

Hart could clinch the Premier League title with City this season as they prepare to fight for the top spot with Manchester United in the remaining eight games of the season.