Goalkeeper Joe Hart insists Manchester City must achieve success in the Champions League if they are to become a top team in Europe.

City are preparing for their Round of 16 second leg against Dynamo Kiev at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night and as they strive to reach the quarter-finals for the very first time, Hart is focusing on winning the elite competition in a bid to become one of the top echelon teams on the continent.

Hart also understands that consistently producing a top-four finish in the Premier League will see City annually compete in the Champions League but asserts that each league must be played on it's own merit.

"You've got to do well in Europe to get that label. We're fighting on a personal basis, a team basis," he said.

"We've worked hard, we've been together a long time now and we need to improve, because it's a short career and we have to take advantage of the opportunities we've got at this club.

"It's very important we qualify but it's more important we focus on one game at a time. Obviously the next game is the Champions League and to try to progress in the tournament, and we'll take care of the Premier League when it comes along on Sunday.

"I'm never going to concede anything while it's still up for grabs, and the Premier League is still up for grabs. But we have put that tournament to one side for the moment and concentrate on the Champions League."