Rooney hails Hart as world’s best goalkeeper

JOE Hart was hailed as the world’s best goalkeeper by Wayne Rooney after a stunning performance kept Manchester City’s Champions League hopes alive.

The Manchester United striker was quick to praise City’s number one - also his England team-mate - after Hart produced a series of world-class saves in a pulsating 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium.

Though City also created a number of chances, Hart’s performance kept the club in the contest before Mario Balotelli snatched a first point in Group D with a contentious last-minute penalty. Hart denied the German champions on eight occasions and Rooney - whose boss, Alex Ferguson, was in the crowd - was one of many observers hugely impressed.

Rooney wrote on Twitter: “Have to say Joe Hart has been incredible. For me best keeper in the world.” Hart could do little to prevent Dortmund taking the lead just after the hour, though he got a hand to Marco Reus’ shot, after Jack Rodwell gifted the forward possession.

After that, Dortmund stepped up the pressure but was unable to add to its lead and was left seething when Neven Subotic was harshly ruled to have handled at point-blank range from Sergio Aguero.

Roman Weidenfeller, who also had a fine game, could not save from substitute Balotelli from the spot and City escaped with a draw.

According to City’s coach, Roberto Mancini, “Joe Hart saved us from an incredible defeat because he saved everything and we should say thank you to him. I don’t know if it is the best performance in football history but he did very well.”