City have the right stuff for Champions League: Hart

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City have the right stuff for Champions League: Hart

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Manchester City will host Italian outfit Napoli in their opening game at the Etihad Stadium today.

14 September,2011 06:31 am

Joe Hart says the Champions League experience running through the Manchester City squad ensures they wont be daunted by their first adventure into Europes premier competition.Manchester City, who host Italian outfit Napoli in their opening game at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, have been tipped by many as potential rivals to Barcelonas crown.This all comes despite the mega-rich club also due to face Germanys four-times European champions Bayern Munich and Spanish side Villarrael in what has been dubbed the group of death.But England goalkeeper Hart says Roberto Mancinis expensively-assembled squad can cope with the demands at the step up in quality.The likes of Yaya Toure, who won the competition with Barcelona, and Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri are seasoned campaigners at this level and that will stand them in good stead when it matters most, according to Hart.Its vital we have got players who have been there and even done it in the Champions League, said 24-year-old Hart.Theres no doubt its going to be a step up in class, but the fact many of the squad have proven themselves at this standard helps.It gives us great confidence.Most of us have played international football also, but we are stepping into the unknown.As a club, were looking forward to it.Its something we have been striving for. There is a belief we can do well and we wont be fearing anyone.Hart believes home advantage first up, against another tournament debutant in Napoli, could ease Manchester City gently into unknown territory.We know Napoli are a strong side, just like the rest of the teams in the group, but being home first up is an advantage, said Hart.