David Moyes has suggested West Ham United goalkeeper Joe Hart that he could face a spell on the bench, even if that might hinder his chances of being England's number one at next summer's World Cup.

The 30-year-old was dropped in favour of Adrian for West Ham's surprising 1-0 win against Chelsea on Saturday (9 December), as the Hammers kept their first clean sheet in the Premier League since the end of September.

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The Spaniard initially replaced Hart during his side's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, given Premier League rules preventing him from playing against his parent club, and is set to start when West Ham host Arsenal on Wednesday night.

A prolonged spell on the bench could jeopardise Hart's chances of being England's first choice goalkeeper in Russia in the summer, even though earlier this month Gareth Southgate said he remained England's starting goalkeeper.

However, Moyes suggested West Ham's survival came before the goalkeeper's ambitions.

"I always have compassion for the players," he was quoted as saying by the Mirror. "That's why it wasn't an easy decision. But ultimately it's West Ham I have to get results for."

Asked how Hart had reacted to be dropped, the former Everton and Sunderland manager replied: "I thought he was very good. He wasn't happy. I told him the reason why and that happens at clubs all over the country. It's a manager's job.

"Part of that is relaying the messages to your players, when I came in I said I will tell you straight, I wouldn't kid anybody."

Hart, who has conceded 30 goals in 14 league appearances this season, has been England's number one goalkeeper since Euro 2012 and retained the role even after he moved to Torino on loan last season, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola.

A move to West Ham was seen as the perfect chance for the two-time Premier League winner to re-establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the division, but the 30-year-old's form has suffered at the London Stadium.

However, Moyes hinted Hart could find himself back into the starting XI, given West Ham are still competing on three fronts.

"We've got competition and because of that he has to be ready to get back into the team," he said.

"Joe will play lots of games between now and the end of the season there's no doubt about that.

"When the opportunity comes round again he has to be ready for it. Clean sheet, no mistakes, so on that evidence I would think so but things can change in training. There could be an injury.

"Joe is incredibly experienced. World Cup, Champions League football. So he's such an important player for us.

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