Gary Neville has implored Joe Hart to remain at Manchester City and fight for his first-team position.

The England goalkeeper was left out by Pep Guardiola for the Premier League season opener against Sunderland on Saturday, casting doubt over his future at the Etihad Stadium.

But former Three Lions assistant coach and Manchester United captain Neville feels Hart needs to stay put and reclaim his number one shirt from Willy Caballero.

"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 Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.

"He would have known the repercussions when it comes to England's No.1 and Man City's No.1 for many years. It will be a decision he won't have taken lightly, but he hit it head on.

"He's given Joe a little whack, there's no doubt about that.

"The fallout since is that Joe has to consider leaving and there will be a lot of noise, there always is around a big England player, about who is going to buy Joe Hart. He was linked this morning [Monday] with numerous clubs.

"I think my advice to Joe would be to stay exactly where he is."

He added: "I think Guardiola might be able to find a goalkeeper who is better with his feet at the moment but for attitude, work ethic and someone who loves Man City, he would be better off sticking with Joe and transforming him into what he wants."