Shoot! would like to wish England international Joe Hart many happy returns as the Manchester City goalkeeper celebrates his 30th birthday today!

The shot stopper, who is currently on loan at Serie A outfit Torino for the 2016-17 season, is highly regarded as one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League, despite Citizens boss Pep Guardiola’s decision to offload him last summer.

Hart, who joined City back in 2006 from League One outfit Shrewsbury Town, has won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup with The Sky Blues, and is still a very popular player among supporters.

As well as club honours, the Shrewsbury-born star has racked up 70 international caps for the Three Lions, and is still in line to be Gareth Southgate’s England number one for next summer’s FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

However, Hart’s top-flight future is uncertain beyond this summer, upon the expiration of his loan with Torino, with rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly interested in the City outcast.

Anyway, to celebrate Hart’s latest milestone, Shoot! has compiled FIVE facts you may not know about the goalkeeper…

Forever first choice

Hart began his professional career at his hometown football club, Shrewsbury Town.

Just one day after turning 17-years-old, the youngster was thrown in the deep end and handed his first-team debut, playing the full 90 minutes in Shrewsbury’s 1-1 draw against Gravesend in the Conference.

Following his high profile move to Manchester City, Hart enjoyed loan spells at Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool and Birmingham City, before fighting for the number one jersey at his parent club upon his return in 2010, displacing the experienced Shay Given.

Goalkeeper or Wicketkeeper?

During his childhood, Hart was exceptional at cricket, as well as football.

The Meole Brace schoolboy featured for Shrewsbury Cricket Club in the Birmingham and District Premier League, before playing alongside England international Steve Davies in Worcestershire’s youth ranks.

Either way, Hart was destined for a bright future in professional sport!

Actually, it is Charles!

Despite being commonly introduced as Joe Hart, that is not actually his first name.

The goalkeeper’s full name is in fact, Charles Joseph John Hart.

Golden Glove record holder

Despite being shipped off to Italy for the 2016-17 campaign, the Manchester City star still joint-holds a proud Premier League record.

The 30-year-old has won the division’s Golden Glove award the most times (4), alongside Arsenal’s Petr Cech.

But perhaps what makes him standout above the Gunners goalkeeper, is the fact that Hart picked up his gongs during a successive four-season spell (2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13 and 2014–15).

Hart’s a “phenomenon”

Could you get any higher praise?

Argentina and FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi labelled the Englishman a “phenomenon”, despite the La Liga giants knocking Manchester City out of the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League knockout stages.

Hart made a record 10 saves in the second-leg 1-0 defeat at the Nou Camp, following their slender 2-1 first-leg loss.

Plus, the City hero saved a penalty from Messi during the first-leg clash!