Manchester City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon reckons their defeat against Manchester United has not dented their confidence.
Romania international ready to push Joe Hart for City spot
Manchester City's reserve team goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon reckons their defeat at the hands of Manchester United will not dent their confidence.
The Premier League leaders were dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round clash at the Etihad Stadium in what was a pulsating clash.
City skipper Vincent Kompany was dismissed after just 11 minutes as United raced to a 3-0 half-time lead.
The Blues rallied superbly in the second half and pulled two goals back and by the end of the tie had United clinging on for their win.
Pantilimon has sought to extract the positives from the defeat, and in particular praised the fighting qualities of his side.
"It has not damaged our confidence," he said.
Chances
"It was an interesting game, but losing a player after 10 minutes is not normal. It was a foul but a normal foul and not a direct red card.
"But in the second half we played on the counter-attack and scored two goals but couldn't get the third goal, though we had chances."
Joe Hart is poised to return to the City starting XI for the first-leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool on Wednesday having been rested for the FA Cup game.
It is a situation the 24-year-old Romanian is comfortable with and, along with Stuart Taylor, he is helping to push the England No.1 in training.
"The manager decides which 11 go on the pitch and I hope to be in there," added Pantilimon.
"We have both (Pantilimon and Hart) trained very well, and train for the team, to win trophies and all three goalkeepers are wonderful.
"The team is very good and we all want to be in this team."
