Joe Hart says he is ready to step up to the plate at Manchester City next season should the champions wobble in their defence of the Premier League title.
The England stopper will return from an extended holiday in time to fly out to China with the rest of Roberto Mancini’s squad for a pre-season tour, with City 11/10 with bookmaker to retain their crown next year.
Hart received many plaudits last season while playing for club and country but insists he can contribute even more, despite conceding fewer goals than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League over the last two seasons.
The 25-year-old said: “I personally get too lost in the main goal, which is winning games and winning the league.
“I feel great and it’s nice that people have confidence in me. I just want to repay that and keep playing well for City.
“We’re a great team but when it’s not quite happening that’s when I need to come in. At the start of last season anyone could have gone in goal for Man City. It didn’t require any ability to be in goal.”