Cottee is considered a legend at West Ham after two spells with club, totalling in eight years.
West Ham United icon Tony Cottee has claimed in his Sporting Bet column that goalkeeper Joe Hart must cancel his loan and leave the club this month, if he is to stand any chance of going to Russia.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper began the season as the Hammers’ undisputed number one stopper ahead of Adrian, after joining the club on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.
However, the former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper conceded 30 goals in 14 Premier League matches and has since been dropped by manager David Moyes in favour of Spaniard Adrian.
Cottee, who played for West Ham between 1982 and 1988 before returning in 1994 for another two years, claimed that Hart must leave if he is to save his place on the plane to Russia in the summer as the World cup draws closer.
“I was very excited when West Ham signed Joe Hart but I think he would admit he hasn’t performed as well as he’d have liked this season,” Cottee said.
“He’s a fantastic goalkeeper who has had a couple of very tough years since losing his place at Manchester City. I’d like to see him stay at West Ham but he has to leave if he’s to keep his place in England’s World Cup squad.
“He needs to review his position and move on if he isn’t going to play.”
Hart has featured just twice since he was forced out of the side as the Hammers played parent club City, failing to regain his spot as Adrian impressed in his place. He impressed during the 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
The England stopper also kept out former side Shrewsbury in the FA Cup during the 0-0 draw, and is expected to start between the sticks on Tuesday night as the two sides go head to head at the London Stadium for a place in the fourth round.
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