• Europa League

Hart set on Europa League glory

ESPN staff
February 20, 2012
Joe Hart's form has been stunning for Manchester City © PA Photos
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The Europa League is live on ESPN this season, Manchester City's clash with Porto is one of a hat-trick of games. Click for details on how to subscribe.

The Premier League may be the priority for Manchester City, but Joe Hart has insisted the club are determined to claim European glory in the Europa League.

City's first taste of Champions League football ended at the group stage, but they were given a second chance in Europe via the Europa League.

They were paired with Porto in the round of 32 and claimed a 2-1 win in the first leg. The second leg takes place on Wednesday, live on ESPN, and England keeper Hart insists the players will not take Porto lightly as they are set on grabbing glory in Europe.

"After working so hard to win in Portugal, we can't afford to waste it in the home leg," Hart told City's official website. "We need to play like we did over there and not think about just trying for a draw or a 1-0 win. If we play our normal game, I think we'll be okay.

"They have some quality players and I know they worked Micah really hard with their left-back bombing on a lot. Hulk's always going to be a danger, especially if he gets it on his left foot and within range."

City's rivals Manchester United are also in the Europa League and Hart believes it will be a real boost to lift the trophy.

"People can say what they want about the Europa League, but there are a lot of top quality sides in the competition," he said. "Sporting Lisbon, Ajax, Porto, Valencia and Manchester United - some of the biggest names in world football - are all in this to win it.

"It's a great competition and make no mistake, one we want to win."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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