Joe Hart believes that Manchester City are not far off Europe’s elite ahead of their Champions League clash with Roma tonight.
City face the Italians at The Etihad looking for their first win of the campaign after an agonising defeat to Bayern Munich last time-out.
And despite having conceded late goals to Bayern, Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent seasons, Hart believes they are close to competing at the highest level.
“Though we have conceded late goals, it also shows you we’re getting there,” he told the club website.
“It proves we can match the big boys and now we just need to complete the job starting against Roma on Tuesday.”
England’s number one goalkeeper believes they can turn things round in the Champions League and is keen to make the most of home advantage.
“Luckily it isn’t the knock-out stages straight away and we have time to put things right but we need to start the home fixtures with a win,” he said.
“Roma have been doing very well and obviously we’ve been more aware of them since we drew them in our group and they had a great result on matchday one as well.
“We seem to have had tough draws throughout our brief Champions League history and these are special nights, but you have to set your standards high and make sure you win your home games.”
The clash against Roma will be Ashley Cole’s first game on English soil following the left-back’s departure from Chelsea after nine years at the club.
Hart and Cole played together for England until the latter announced his retirement after failing to make Roy Hodgson’s squad for the Brazil World Cup.
“It will be great to see Ashley Cole and catch up with him. I’m looking forward to finding out how he’s enjoying life in Italy,” admitted Hart.
Image courtesy of Umbro, via YouTube, with thanks
