Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says the locker room expects a huge lift from returning Sergio Aguero.

Three years ago, City felt if they were in touching distance of the top when Yaya Toure returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty, they would win it.

This time around, the omens are the same as Aguero returns, according to Hart.

"There is a similar feeling about Sergio. He is a massive plus for us," the England star explained. "With the boys back - Edin Dzeko is fit as well - we are going to get goals.

"If we continue to create chances like this, we know we will score with those players coming back.

"With Stevan Jovetic, they are three key players, and you feel it with players like that missing...so we are in a good place with them coming back."