Jack Rodwell nearing return from injury

Manchester City midfielder has struggled since switch to the Etihad

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell expects to be fit for duty in a fortnight's time as he nears a return from a frustrating injury lay-off.

Rodwell has not appeared for City since October having suffered successive hamstring complaints and only last week manager Roberto Mancini expressed concern over the 21-year-old's fitness issues as he pondered his midfield options with Yaya Toure away at the African Nations Cup.

But Rodwell is confident he will soon be back to give his manager another option.

"I feel really fit - I've been doing a lot of strengthening work because I've been out so long with my hamstring injuries so it's taken time," he told the club's website.

"My first injury was my left hamstring which kept me out for five weeks and then my right hamstring started to niggle which put me back to square one.

"It's easily the worst injury set-back of my career because I've been out for more than three months now. It's been frustrating and like most players, I'm not the best spectator in the world - it obviously helps when the lads win - but I'm almost there now."

Rodwell's injuries have restricted him to just six appearances in all competitions this season and the summer signing from Everton is looking forward to showing City fans what he can do.

"I feel like my career here hasn't really got started yet, even though I feel really settled and at home now," he said.

"I'll begin full training this week - all being well. Then I'll need 10 days to a fortnight to get back up to speed and I'll be available for selection again."

PA