Following new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola’s selection of Willy Caballero ahead of Joe Hart on Saturday, Gary Neville has backed the star to fight for his place.

Hart, who has been at City for a decade and, is believed to have been upset at being dropped, while Neville believes Guardiola’s decision to drop the star has sent a clear message.

‘Pep Guardiola has been around the block and I’m sure he would have understood the significance of leaving Hart out of his team,’ Neville said on Monday Night Football.

‘He would have known the repercussions when it comes to England’s number one and Man City’s number one for many years. It will be a decision he won’t have taken lightly, but he hit it head on.’

Despite the ordeal of having been dropped former Manchester United star Neville is backing the player to stay and compete for his place.

‘It’s nothing to do with Joe’s style over the last three years, it’s been Man City’s style,’ Neville continued. ‘Pep’s complete and total belief is to play out from the back at all costs.’

Neville went on to challenge Hart to improve on his balling playing skills at the back, asserting it may be better City should Hart transform into what Guardiola wants rather than bring in a new goalkeeper.