Hart fully justified his selection at White Hart Lane as big-spending City somehow survived a first-half onslaught to head back to the North-West with a hard-earned point. But that will be no consolation to Republic of Ireland star Given, who revealed last week he would consider quitting the club if he lost his place in goal. New England number one Hart made a similar threat, meaning City boss Mancini is under real pressure to let one of his internationals leave. The Italian refused to reveal what he would do were a rival club to bid for Given before the transfer window closes. "I hope it doesn't arrive. I hope that Shay can stay here with us," said the Italian, who confirmed Hart would be his number one "for now". "We have time, another 20 days, until the end of the market. I respect every decision but I hope that Shay stays here." He added: "At this moment, Joe plays. Because we have four competitions, we need Shay. I'm sorry for one goalkeeper but today I chose Joe and I'm very happy to have Shay Given. "I spoke to him. He's a big name, he's a big goalkeeper, he respects my decision." The keeper controversy perhaps prevented Mancini from giving Hart due credit for what was a world-class performance. The 23-year-old produced a string of wonder-saves from Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto to keep Spurs at bay as his multi-million-pound team-mates went AWOL. City, who handed debuts to three of their summer signings, improved immeasurably after the break, allowing Mancini to shrug off their first-half malaise. "I think that this point here, after the first half, is a good signal for us," he said. "I think that we must improve but we're missing four, five players. I think that we need three or four weeks together." He added: "Tottenham played with the same team they played last year. "For us, it's different, and Tottenham is a good team. "I think in the second half we improved our play." Mancini is hoping to wrap up the signing of James Milner on Monday, while Mario Balotelli did not feature after completing his move from Inter Milan. Carlos Tevez was named captain ahead of Kolo Toure, with Mancini stating he felt it would be good for the striker to lead the side. The City boss was also hopeful Aleksandar Kolarov would be fit for Thursday's Europa League play-off first leg at FC Timisoara. Harry Redknapp was left to rue Hart's inspired display. "I couldn't have asked any more from the players," said the Spurs boss, before aiming another dig at the timing of this week's friendly internationals. "We came out, did everything we worked on yesterday morning - in the hour that we had with the players this week. "We were determined to press all over the park and that's what we did. "When we won possession, I thought we moved the ball about with great style and created lots of chances. "Their keeper was fantastic and some days it goes like that." Fabio Capello was at White Hart Lane and Redknapp added: "It was good for the England manager to see that today and it was good for English football." Redknapp was equally effusive about the performance of Gareth Bale, who gave Micah Richards a torrid time. "He's an amazing left-sided player," he said. "Gareth is almost unplayable at the moment." Redknapp was not buying any suggestion City played badly because of a lack of familiarity with each other. "Good players can play together. I don't think it's such a big problem," he said. Redknapp was hopeful Aaron Lennon would be okay for Tuesday's Champions League play-off round first leg at Young Boys after the winger asked to be substituted today. He also revealed he had failed in an audacious bid to sign a "top, top" player, refusing to divulge the identity of the man or his club. He said: "They don't want to let him go now. It would've been an amazing signing for this club." Redknapp described a move for free agent William Gallas as "doubtful", although he appeared to have knowledge of the defender's wage demands. "He's not asking for massive wages," he said. "We'll have to see whether we can do something there."
