On the day goalkeeper Joe Hart was named in the provisional England squad for the World Cup the man himself pointed to his "awesome" Birmingham City experience as the reason why he could soon be on the plane to South Africa.

An emotional Hart, sad to be leaving behind team-mates and club staff and supporters who adore him but proud to have been part of Blues' successful top flight season, exclusively told bcfc.com how he is feeling.

And he admitted that although he always knew a return to Manchester City could be on the cards at the end of his season-long loan as is the case, it does feel somewhat strange to be leaving behind a club he has come to see as "family".

Hart, who picked up Blues' Player of the Year award at a glitzy ceremony at Birmingham ICC on Monday night, explained: "The England call-up wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been here at Birmingham where I have been playing regularly.

"All I wanted to do from the start of the season was play football and Birmingham gave me that opportunity. To be playing again and be part of a team was brilliant.

"Starting so many games was such a highlight for me. As soon as the whistle went at the start of a game I was starting it meant everything to me.

"To be part of what is a great bunch of lads and great backroom staff is really great. It has been awesome to be part of a club like this - I was embraced by everyone and received lots of support and that means the world to me.

"I'm really sad to be going because I've made a lot of really good friends amongst the players and staff. It is hard because I have never really left anything like this before.

"I didn't really want to leave but I was told that I have to do so. That's just the way football is and I'm just pleased I've got some really special relationships to come back to when I play against Birmingham further down the line."

On landing the Player of the Year gong in what was Hart's last official engagement as a Blues player, the superb shot stopper added: "I was really proud to pick up the award, which I hope pays tribute to not only my development this season but also what we managed to achieve as a team.

"I'd like to say thank you so much to everyone who has given me so much support since I arrived at Blues - it will never be forgotten."

Everyone at Birmingham City wishes Joe all the very best with his England adventure and for the future.