Roberto Mancini's side left Portugal with a 2-1 win last week after coming from behind and although the comeback puts City in the driving seat, the England international knows they cannot afford to think the tie is over.

"Porto are a very good side but we left there really happy that we'd beaten them," he said.

"That's not because we felt they were better than us, but because it is a hard place to go and get an away lead.

"After working so hard to win in Portugal, we can't afford to waste it in the home leg.

"We need to play like we did over there and not think about just trying for a draw or a 1-0 win.

"If we play our normal game, I think we'll be OK. They have some quality players and Hulk's always going to be a danger, especially if he gets it on his left foot and within range.

"In a funny way, they might actually enjoy the fact they are 2-1 down because the pressure is off and they can just come here and really fly at us."

Hart thinks the strength of the teams contesting the Europa League makes it a worthwhile competition to win, despite its critics.

"People can say what they want about the Europa League, but there are a lot of top-quality sides in the competition," he told mcfc.co.uk.

"Sporting Lisbon, Ajax, Porto, Valencia and Manchester United - some of the biggest names in world football - are all in this to win it.

"It's a great competition and make no mistake, one we want to win."