Joe Hart: I'll take an England penalty - VIDEO

Shropshire star Joe Hart was all smiles this afternoon after offering to take a penalty if England's Euro 2012 showdown with Italy goes to a shoot-out.

The former Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper – who was born and brought up in the county town – is gearing up for one of the biggest matches of his life as Roy Hodgson's side get ready to take on the Italians on Sunday in Kiev.

The quarter final clash must be decided on the night and could go to penalties if the score remains tied after extra time.

And even though he has taken just two penalties in his professional career, missing one, 25-year-old Hart said he would be happy to put himself on the spot.

Hart missed a crucial penalty for Shrewsbury in a Carling Cup defeat to Sheffield United in 2005 but found the net for England's Under-21 team in their European Championships in 2009.

http://youtu.be/lKeGf9dG7O8

Joe Hart finds the net with a penalty against Sweden for England under-21s.

The former Meole Brace School pupil told an England press conference this afternoon: "I would put my name forward – hopefully it doesn't come to it and we get through but I would back myself to do it..

"It's the kind of situation where you have chance to do your thing for the team.