Manchester City keeper Joe Hart believes that being dropped last season drove him to become a better player.
Manuel Pellegrini took the decision to drop the England international during the halfway stage of last season due to some poor displays, leaving Costel Pantilimon to replace him between the sticks.
Hart won his place back and started to find his best form towards the end of the campaign, which he has brought into the current season, including an outstanding performance in his side's 2-0 win over Roma in the Champions League.
He told reporters: "I feel in a good place. I feel I'm in a place where I should be and it's a level I want to keep. We're all aware that last season didn't go according to plan for a tiny bit of the season, but that makes me a better goalkeeper.
"I'm coming to a good age now and really enjoying being here. I don't look back as though everything is in the past - it's all relevant and part of what's going on. It's definitely part of the journey.
"To be in the first-team here you have to be at your highest level and you have to understand that and appreciate that. I'm just trying to maintain my best form."
Hart has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Pellegrini's men this season.
Simon Sinclair
