Hart to make first start for 'Hammers' in bid for WC place

Joe Hart has been selected for the starting XI against Burnley on Saturday, offering him an opportunity to stake his claim for England selection in the World Cup.

The West Ham keeper, who is currently on loan from Manchester City, has not started in a match for 'the Hammers' since November last year with David Moyes favouring Adrian.

The Premier League outfit were defeated in their last two games against Liverpool and Swansea, and coach Moyes has said ''If I thought there were no mistakes or no problems I wouldn't have made any changes. Joe Hart will start. I've said it all along (he's) been good, I've got competition in some places, not all places but you have to play well. There's big pressure if you don't perform.''

This marks a key opportunity for the 30-year-old to assert himself as a contender for Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad later this month as the 'Three Lions' have friendlies against Holland and Italy in March.