JOE Hart admits it could potentially be a "dark time" for him at Burnley but insists he is relishing the challenge of trying to make his mark once again.

The former England goalkeeper, 33, has played just three cup games for the Clarets this season and last featured in the Premier League in December 2018.

He is out of contract in the summer and has spoken openly about leaving Turf Moor.

Hart has been speaking about his career in conversation with the Duke of Cambridge in a programme called 'Football, Prince William and our Mental Health' which airs on BBC One tonight, and also features former Burnley striker Marvin Sordell.

"It's certainly the lowest point of my footballing career but it's not a dark cloud," he said.

"I'm comfortable with what's going on. Yeah I'm sad, yeah I'm disappointed that I'm not playing, because I know what I want to be, I know where I should be, I know what I can bring to the game.

"At the moment I'm not being picked, simple as that. You know, at school, not being picked...and that's hard. I feel like right now could be a real dark time for me, but it's not, I see it as a challenge."

Hart was also asked about the impact of not feeling wanted by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

He fell out of favour under the Spanish coach in 2016, Guardiola favouring Claudio Bravo over him primarily because he felt his ball-playing skills were stronger to build from the back.

Asked by the Prince what had been the biggest whack he had endured in his career, Hart said: "It will sound pathetic but it's the truth, it's not playing and not being wanted.

"Things happened with the new manager at Manchester City, probably the most important manager in the world.

"He didn't even necessarily not like me, he just had a certain aspect which he didn't feel I was up to, and it kind of dropped from there."

The Prince is heavily involved in the FA's 'Heads Up' campaign which promotes mental health awareness.