Joleon Lescott disputes dip in form

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has insisted that his drop down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium this season should not be attributed to a dip in form.

Lescott has fallen out of favour at City this season, with manager Roberto Mancini often choosing to start Matija Nastasic ahead of the England international at centre-back.

With his long-term future uncertain, Lescott is adamant that when called upon his performances have been of required standards.

He told The Guardian: "I haven't let anyone down. In fact, I'd like to think I'm focused a little bit more because when you don't play regularly you know that when the chance comes you need to prove yourself a bit more.

"My performances have been quite good this season. It's just, for whatever reason, the manager has seen fit to play whoever he's played."

The 30-year-old has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs in the past few weeks, including a return to Everton.