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Hart studying Casillas ahead of Manchester derby

Joe Hart has been central to Manchester City's league form this season © Getty Images

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Joe Hart has revealed he has been studying videos of Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas ahead of next week's Manchester derby.

City have the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table if they can beat rivals Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on Monday night.

And Hart, who was named in the PFA Team of the Year, hours after his clean sheet against Wolves on Sunday, is looking to learn from Spain's World Cup winning captain Casillas.

"I'm trying to work out exactly how Casillas manages to react to what the forwad does instead of trying to force the striker into a decision," Hart told City's official website.

"It's better doing it his way, using your reflexes rather than trying to anticipate what is going to happen.

"More and more I'm coming across different strikers or styles of play that require just what Casillas has - quick decision-making and quick reflexes.

"When your team are on top the most difficult thing is not saving two dozen shots but making saves when you only have to face three shots on target. It is something people don't appreciate and I've studied Casillas to see how he does it."

As City turn their sights to a crucial Premier League clash that is likely to determine the destination of the title, Hart admits his side have always had one eye on the derby.

"We've always been focused on finishing the season well and we have given ourselves a really good chance," he said. "There are only a few games now. We've been putting this one off for a long time and people have been talking about it. But now it's the next game and the one we are excited about.

"Our title chances are certainly a lot better than they were. We are excited - we feel ready, we are firing goals in. We are looking forward to it."

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