Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has insisted that his drop down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium this season should not be attributed to a dip in form.

Lescott has fallen out of favour at City this season, with manager Roberto Mancini often choosing to start Matija Nastasic ahead of the England international at centre-back.

With his long-term future uncertain, Lescott is adamant that when called upon his performances have been of required standards.

He told The Guardian: "I haven't let anyone down. In fact, I'd like to think I'm focused a little bit more because when you don't play regularly you know that when the chance comes you need to prove yourself a bit more.

"My performances have been quite good this season. It's just, for whatever reason, the manager has seen fit to play whoever he's played."

The 30-year-old has been linked with a string of Premier League clubs in the past few weeks, including a return to Everton.