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Lescott vows to fight his way back into City side

Joleon Lescott is determined to fight his way back into the first XI © Getty Images

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Joleon Lescott is happy to wait for his chance to win back a place in Manchester City's starting line-up having found himself out of favour in recent weeks.

Lescott lost his place to Matija Nastasic after being ruled out with a back injury and has been unable to fight back into the team after returning to fitness.

He has not started a game since City's 3-1 Champions League defeat at Ajax, when he came in for criticism from manager Roberto Mancini.

The centre-back told the club's official website: "I've been fit for a couple of weeks now and while it was disappointing to be left out of the squads at Chelsea and Wigan, the manager has to pick a team and bench that he thinks can do a job on the day and I respect that.

"It is tough being out of the team and frustrating because it's natural to want to play every game, but if anyone comes in and does well, why would you change things? I'll just do my job, train hard and wait for my chance to get back in the team.

"In the meantime, I'll be rooting for the lads the same as if I was out on the pitch. When I next get my chance, it's up to me show the manager what I can do and make it hard for him to leave me out - that's the same for any player at this club because there is competition for places in every department.''

Mancini has been impressed with the form of Nastasic, who was signed from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day in August. He said: "I am happy because Nastasic is young. He needs to work hard because it is not enough to play 10 games in the Premier League.

"He needs more games but I think he has fantastic quality. For the future of Man City I think he will be an important player because he is young.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.