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Jamie Carragher insists that Joe Hart has to leave Manchester City - and he would "love" to see him at Liverpool.

Hart was dropped by Pep Guardiola for the Premier League opener against Sunderland last week and was again reduced to bench warming duties for the Champions League qualifier at Steaua Bucharest.

But Carragher insists that football fans should not feel sorry for Hart.

The Liverpool legend says that the England No.1 had 12 months to prepare for Guardiola's arrival - and he did not get himself ready.

Carragher cited Guardiola's controversial decision to bin Deco and Ronaldhinho when he first took over at Barcelona as evidence enough that he was not afraid to make major changes.

(Image: Matthew Lewis)

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Writing in his Daily Mail column, he said: "Do not think, though, that he is the victim of a calculated plan, that the treatment handed out to him is not befitting someone of his age and experience. This, as I said at the top, is football. Hart isn't the first to suffer such a sudden change of position. He certainly won't be the last, either."

City have been linked with transfers for Barcelona goalkeeping duo Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

(Image: Getty) (Image: REUTERS)

It would mean that Hart could leave the Etihad and Carragher insists that he would be a great option for his former club Liverpool.

Carragher said: "Speaking as a Liverpool fan, I would love to see him come to Anfield. I remember his performance at the Nou Camp in the Champions League in March 2015. It was unbelievable. He stopped City from being embarrassed by Barcelona with a string of outstanding saves.

(Image: GETTY) (Image: Getty Images)

"He cannot stay at the Etihad Stadium. That became clear after Guardiola said yesterday he wouldn't stand in his way if he wants to leave. He is too good to spend his time sitting on the bench."

Hart is again expected to be benched when City travel to Stoke on Saturday afternoon.