Manuel Pellegrini pleased with Joe Hart's character

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has praised Joe Hart's mental toughness following Manchester City's 3-1 win over Everton this afternoon.

Hart was heavily criticised following Wednesday's 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, while Pellegrini admitted that he was considering dropping the goalkeeper.

However, the City boss kept faith in England's number one, who produced an assured display as the Toffees' unbeaten record came to an end at the Etihad Stadium.

"It was not an easy game for Joe Hart, but he did not have too much work," Pellegrini told BBC Sport. "He is mentally strong.

"I spoke long with him after the match against Bayern Munich, it was not an easy decision for me to take because I was not sure how he would react but after talking with him I felt he had the character to play today and I am very happy for him.

"I am always talking with the players and my staff, it was a decision I decided yesterday but how near, it doesn't matter, he played."

Despite Hart's recent slip-ups, England manager Roy Hodgson remains adamant that the 26-year-old is still his first choice goalkeeper.