Joe Hart has signalled discontent at not playing every game and that "it's hard to see any positives" in being dropped after Manuel Pellegrini left him out of Manchester City's last two matches. The manager also said a new deal for Hart is not a pressing priority.

Pellegrini preferred Willy Caballero for City's 7-0 hiding of Sheffield Wednesday in the Capital One Cup and Saturday's 4-2 win at Hull City.

Asked about being stood down, Hart – seated alongside Pellegrini at the press conference in the run-up to Tuesday evening's Champions League meeting with Roma – said: "I want to play every game, that's my nature, my professionalism. I'm not the manager, he makes the decisions. I think he knows I want to play. When I return from football I'll see the positives but at the moment I don't."

Despite Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri, Edin Dzeko, David Silva and Sergio Agüero recently signing fresh terms, Hart, who is inside the final two years of deal, is yet to do so.

Regarding this, Pellegrini said: “Me and Joe know what (will) happen. It is important but not the most important thing now.”

When Hart was pressed on this, he said: “The same.”

With Sergio Agüero having scored four in seven appearances, Pellegrini also believes the Argentine can challenge Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the title of the world's finest footballer.

“Agüero is among the best players in the world,” he told Champions magazine. “Now it is up to him to make it and fight for the Ballon d’Or as best player, because he has all the qualities you can ask of a football player. He is technically very strong, he is fast and has a lot of power. He is very intelligent, able to play in his position in between midfield and attack.

"We hope we will see Sergio back in the form he demonstrated in the Premier League (last season) before his injuries hit him. I believe he will make a difference this season."

Guardian Service