Barry closes in on City return

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has set his sights on a return to the first-team after getting more game time with the reserves.

Barry completed 45 minutes against Middlesbrough in August, followed by almost 80 minutes against Liverpool on Monday, putting him on course for a return to Roberto Mancini’s starting line-up.

“I’ve had two outings with the elite development squad now, and I felt a lot better in the second game so things are progressing nicely,” he told the club’s official website.

The England international has been frustrated by a run of injuries that forced him to miss more than three months of football.

“I had a double hernia operation which meant an initial four weeks out, but then I tore a muscle in rehab which set me back a little bit, but I don’t think I’m too far off now – touch wood,” he said.

“I’m just taking things one day at a time but I’m feeling quite strong again which is really good.

“I’m not a good spectator and I don’t enjoy watching the games – I’d much rather be out there playing so I’m obviously really looking forward to getting my season off and running again.”

While fellow midfielder Nigel de Jong left for AC Milan in the summer, Barry’s challenge of regaining his place has been made harder by the arrival of midfielders Jack Rodwell and Javi Garcia from Everton and Benfica.

But with City conceding five goals in their opening three games of the Premier League campaign, Mancini will be relieved to have a strong defensive-minded player available for selection again.

“The medical team and sports therapists will have a discussion, though I’m not asking too many questions,” Barry said.

“I’ve been training with the first team for a fortnight now and getting back into the swing of things again.”