Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists goalkeeper Joe Hart is still in his plans despite being dropped for Saturday’s win over Sunderland.

Guardiola decided to select Willy Caballero as his No.1 and Hart was forced to settle for a place on the bench at the Etihad Stadium.

The Citizens, priced at 3.25 to win the Premier League, eventually recorded a 2-1 victory over the Black Cats but Caballero was rarely tested throughout the contest.

City have been linked with a new keeper for the last few weeks but Guardiola insists the England international is still in his plans going forward.

He told reporters: “Of course he can play. All the players in the squad can play. I have a lot of respect for Joe, a lot of respect for his career.

I know how good a goalkeeper he is, but today I decided for Willy. That is all.

“I think Willy had a good pre-season – really, really good. He gave me today a lot of confidence for his build-up play, for his personality and that’s why I choose him. “In the end, I have a squad and I decide what I see.

I have to create a team spirit. It’s not about tactics, it’s not about anything, and I decided today for this line-up.

“That does not mean in the future they are not going to play or they are going to play.”