Manchester City's Joe Hart admits he never even expected to be in the England squad two weeks ago, let alone be on the verge of a first cap.Goalkeeper Hart is tipped to be handed his debut by Fabio Capello on Wednesday night when the Three Lions tackle USA at Wembley.

Two years ago the youngster was still playing for Shrewsbury, where he was spotted by then City boss Stuart Pearce, who has continued to monitor Hart's progress as England Under-21 chief.

Even this season, Hart was expected to be second fiddle at City before Sven-Goran Eriksson named him as number one, above Sweden's World Cup keeper Andreas Isaksson.

So it has come as something of a meteoric rise for the 20-year-old.

"If you had asked me two weeks ago, when I didn't know about the squad, I would have told you I didn't think I'd be involved," said Hart.

"Everyone just wants to be involved and play for their country. It would mean everything to me and if I get the opportunity I will be the happiest man around."

Not that Hart is letting the headlines get to him.

The Blues number one prefers to contain his excitement until such time as he has actually played for his country rather than fret about the possibility.

"It's great coming from Shrewsbury and looking back on how far I've come, but also how far there is still to go," he said. "It's good to get the nod to be involved but I won't take anything for granted.

"The whole point of playing football is to be picked in squads like this, but I know for a fact I won't definitely be in the next one.

"I've got to keep working hard and if I do get a chance to show what I can do, hopefully I'll take it."

Hart's transition from Under-21s to senior level has been made easier by the presence of Tom Huddlestone and David Wheater in Capello's squad.

And, somewhat surprisingly, he has even found himself helping Joe Lewis acclimatise.

If Hart is still pinching himself at his selection, Lewis must think he is dreaming after being transported from League Two Peterborough to the senior ranks.

However, having spent time training at City during a loan spell with nearby Morecambe, Lewis at least had one familiar face to turn to in Hart.

"I have worked together in the Under-21s with Joe for a while now, and while he was on loan at Morecambe he came and trained at City for a couple of weeks, so I got to know him really well," said Hart.

"I'm really pleased that he's been called up. It's great for him and it shows that it doesn't matter what league you're in."

"When you look at it, there is a nice little link with the first team because of the lads coming through, so it's helped a lot.

"But I have got to meet new people, which comes with the job I suppose, and with the call ups I've got to meet a few of the players I've played against."

The main people Hart needs to impress are Capello and goalkeeping coaches Franco Tancredi and Ray Clemence.

In that sense, he could not have picked a better time to be involved.

After the rushed build-up to friendlies against Switzerland and France, the current England squad have had almost a week to prepare for the United States and most will stay together for Sunday's trip to Trinidad.

And Hart is hoping that in this instance, familiarity definitely does not breed contempt.

"Capello has only had two short stays with the side in the previous two friendlies, so I think this is big for him," said Hart.

"It's good to get to know him and for him to get to know us.

"He knows what we can do football-wise, but it's good for him to get to know us on a personal basis."

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