Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned David May to enjoy his 35th anniversary party - because there will not be many more.

Former Manchester United defender May has arranged a special party night in the city centre on Friday night to celebrate City's lack of achievement ahead of the following day's derby clash at Old Trafford.

In its own way, it is just as provocative as the 'Welcome to Manchester' poster that hailed Carlos Tevez's arrival at Eastlands at the start of last season and fuels the atmosphere ahead of what are becoming hugely important duels.

While United realise they can open up an eight-point lead on their rivals with a game in hand, effectively ending City's Barclays Premier League title challenge, a City triumph will close the gap to two points and leave Sir Alex Ferguson and his team looking nervously over their shoulders.

Either way, Hart accepts May's right to revel in the length of time City have gone without a trophy. But the England goalkeeper is certain that wait for honours is drawing to a close.

"It's not false because we haven't won anything for 35 years," he said.

"But I assume they are doing it because there won't be many more of them."

Hart might be exchanging a bit of banter himself with Wayne Rooney over the next couple of days as the pair unite in the common cause of trying to help England overcome Denmark in tomorrow's friendly.

With Ben Foster ruled out through injury, Hart will return after missing the November friendly defeat by France due to a back spasm.

It will be a further show of faith from Fabio Capello, just days after his Italian club boss, Roberto Mancini, backed Hart for Saturday's Premier League win over West Brom.

That support was welcomed as recent mistakes have put Hart in the spotlight, although it is not a position he has a problem with.

"I don't feel the knives have been out for me," he said.

"You have to take the rough with the smooth and people have said some really nice things about me in the past.

"I have always appreciated it will go the other way. People are entitled to their opinions.

"I just have to be strong as a person and a player. Inside I know that I am doing things right.

"Not everything has been going my way recently but I am doing everything I can to turn it round."