Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Joe Hart will retain his place in goal after returning from a two-month Premier League exile on Saturday.
England's number one was dropped at the end of October after a series of high-profile errors, with Costel Pantilimon taking his place for City's domestic affairs.
However, after some good performances in Europe, Hart was recalled for the 4-2 victory over Fulham, and Pellegrini has now hinted that the 26-year-old has regained his first-team spot for good.
"He deserved to play and he also deserves to continue," Pellegrini told reporters. "In every match we could play with 11 different starters, but at the moment Joe will continue to play."
Hart, who has remained first choice for the Three Lions during his time out of the team, is expected to be between the posts for City when they continue their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Thursday.
Joe Fish
