Joleon Lescott admits he was hurt at being dropped against Real Madrid

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has admitted that he was hurt by Roberto Mancini's decision to drop him for the Champions League opener against Real Madrid.

Lescott missed City's dramatic 3-2 defeat against Madrid, but returned to score for City against Arsenal last weekend.

The 30-year-old said that he will use that disappointment as a reminder that he needs to fight for a place in the City starting team.

He said: "Obviously it hurt but the manager picked the team and I wasn't in it.

"It's a great stadium, a great occasion for the club and you want to pit yourself against the world's best, like Cristiano Ronaldo.

"But I just have to work hard. I've played then been left out over the last couple of seasons. It's happened before during my career and I'm ready for the fight."

Lescott's joined City from Everton in August 2009 and is under contract at the Etihad for two more seasons.