WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- White House spokesman Jay Carney said Friday he believes former Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who had a rocky confirmation hearing Thursday, will be confirmed by the Senate as US defense secretary.

Carney told reporters he believed the number of votes in favor of Hagel's confirmation had increased a day after Hagel came under withering fire from Republican senators for his prior comments on Iraq and Iran.

"We expect the Senate to confirm Sen. Hagel to the position of secretary of defense," said Carney. He denounced the "stridency" of the Republican attack on Hagel led by Sen. John McCain.