Manchester City's Willy Caballero ready to take his chance

Willy Caballero is keen to make the most of his opportunity as he prepares to step in for Joe Hart as Manchester City enter a critical month in their season.

Caballero, City's second-choice goalkeeper, was forced into action after England No 1 Hart suffered a calf injury in Sunday's costly 1-0 derby defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.

It was the Argentine's first taste of action since his penalty shootout heroics in the Capital One Cup final last month and, with Hart potentially out for up to four weeks, there is likely to be more.

The 34-year-old, signed from manager Manuel Pellegrini's former club Malaga two years ago, said: "When I came here I knew what was going to be my situation.

"But I came to play, so if I have the opportunity I try to take it and keep it. I try to do my best. I had opportunities in the cup and I have been training really well, so I think I am ready."

Despite Caballero's confidence, Hart's absence over the next month, as City battle to hang onto fourth position in the Premier League and face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, is another serious blow for the club.

The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer throughout a patchy campaign for the team and Caballero knows he will be missed.

He said: "I hope he recovers soon. We need him in this team because he is our first 'keeper. It is really important to be fit soon."

City also lost forward Raheem Sterling to a groin injury early in the game and Caballero admitted it had been a frustrating afternoon.

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He said: "We are disappointed because we played well in the second half. We had a lot of situations but we couldn't equalise, so it is a really sad weekend, and also for the injuries. It is really hard to lose one or two players again.

"We are in the fourth position and we need to keep it. We try to go forward but we need a good result in the next game. We need to try to focus in our team, in our way to play to get results and I think the only way to do it is as in the second half."