Given backs Hart for captaincy

Hart has been mentioned as a possible contender to take the England armband after John Terry was stripped of the role earlier this month.

24-year-old Hart is firmly first-choice for England and Given believes the keeper could easily captain his country, but admits the decision depends on who takes over from Fabio Capello following the Italian's shock resignation.

Asked about Hart's chances of succeeding Terry, Given told Sky Sports News: "It depends on what manager comes in I suppose because a lot of managers, for some reason, don't want to give the goalkeeper the captain's armband which I think is a bit strange.

"Joe could be a captain no problem. Dino Zoff won the World Cup with Italy and in more recent times Iker Casillas won the World Cup and European Championship with Spain so I definitely think a goalkeeper can wear the armband.

"Joe is very established in the England team as well as Man City and he's the first name on the teamsheet and that will be for the foreseeable future.

"There's different players putting themselves forward, but it depends how long they are going to be around the England squad and long-term Joe is going to be a big part of that.

"But it will all depend on who they bring in as new manager."