Sven-Goran Eriksson vented his fury at the Swedish media after Manchester City's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw against West Ham.

City boss Eriksson was forced to defend himself after making rookie Joe Hart his number one goalkeeper ahead of Kasper Schmeichel and experienced Sweden international Andreas Isaksson.

The former England head coach lost his customary cool when asked by a Swedish journalist after Sunday's game why Isaksson had not been handed a chance to impress between the posts.

"Sitting in Sweden and criticising what we do at Carrington (where City train) is easy but I don't think it's fair," said Eriksson.

"What hurt me is that one newspaper said that Isaksson and myself had a fight.

"That's absolute rubbish - there has never been one bad word between us.

"He's too professional for that and I am also too professional to start fighting with players.

"I took the decision and he accepted it, even if he was not happy about it."

Carlton Cole produced a delightful overhead kick to put West Ham ahead after eight minutes at Eastlands on Sunday before Darius Vassell stabbed in a controversial equaliser eight minutes later.

The Hammers always looked more likely to pilfer the points, however, and Hart, 20, confirmed his rich promise with excellent saves to deny Mark Noble and Cole in the closing stages.

Eriksson said: "Joe played very well yet again. He has a great future and is a fantastic goalkeeper for his age.

"He's rather big, he's good on crosses and he's very brave.

"The only thing that's missing is experience. You cannot buy experience - you have to stand there between the posts and let it happen over the years."

Hart has played down his own chances of being included in Fabio Capello's senior England squad, but his performances are making a compelling case for his inclusion.

"I said weeks ago that he has the chance to be an England goalkeeper in the future," added Eriksson.

"I don't know whether it's time now - Capello has to decide that - and I'll be happy with whatever happens.

"I don't think Joe Hart expects to be in the full side. He's the youngest goalkeeper we have."

Eriksson's side were again solid in defence but a chronic lack of firepower seriously undermined their efforts.

And while a UEFA Cup spot remains a distinct possibility - this point lifted them to fifth - dreams of the Champions League are fading fast.

West Ham deserve credit for producing a spirited response after limping out of the FA Cup at Eastlands four days earlier.

That they got a result without Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington - both ruled out due to back and knee injuries respectively - hinted at the depth and quality of their squad as the Londoners continue their own assault on Europe.

The Hammers were already shorn of the services of a host of key players and manager Alan Curbishley said: "Hart has been excellent in the two games and is probably the reason why we've not won both of them.

"I'm a little bit disappointed but it's great credit to the players that they deserved to be the first team to win here."

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