Although Hart was confirmed as the Blues number one keeper by Roberto Mancini, the 23-year-old always knew Shay Given was on hand to take some of the strain should City's punishing schedule get too much.
However, the safety net disappeared when Given was forced to undergo shoulder surgery that will keep him out for much of the campaign.
Mancini has opted not to bring in an emergency replacement so, with doubts persisting over Stuart Taylor, the Italian is relying on Hart staying fit. The England star has now notched up 18 successive appearances for City, a run that will be extended against Wigan at Eastlands on Saturday evening.
Hart does have youth on his side, though, and is adamant there is no way he wants to stand down from the busiest season of his fledgling career.
"I am not interested in having a break," said Hart. "I love playing. It is great to have all these games and I am happy to do it."
Source: PA
Source: PA