Samir Nasri 'blows hot and cold' admits Manchester City assistant David Platt

The Frenchman is in form as the dethroned champions look to secure second and the FA Cup

Samir Nasri (GETTY IMAGES)

Manchester City head to Swansea this weekend looking to tighten their grip on second place in the Barclays Premier League.

City may have been deposed as champions but can still complete a respectable season by securing the runners-up spot and winning the FA Cup.

Victories over two mid-table teams - the Swans on Saturday and West Brom on Tuesday - could settle the first issue ahead of next week's trip to Wembley for the second.

One player hoping to maintain his recent form will be midfielder Samir Nasri, who has produced some of his best performances for the club in the past month.

The French playmaker was the subject of criticism from manager Roberto Mancini earlier in the season after an indifferent first half of the campaign.

That had led to speculation the 25-year-old, who also only showed his qualities sporadically last season, could be moved on in the summer.

Paris St Germain are one club that have been linked with the player but his performances of late have provided a reminder of why City paid Arsenal £24million for his services two years ago.

Nasri was particularly impressive in the FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea last month, in which he scored the first goal, and he has generally looked a hungrier and sharper player.

City first-team coach David Platt said: "Samir, since he has been here, has blown hot and cold.

"When he has been hot he has been absolutely roasting, he has been a tremendous player.

"Every player can have his good games and bad games.

"Samir is an exceptional player. You don't expect anything different from him."

City are thought likely to embark on some significant squad surgery this summer with a number of players linked with possible exits.

A number of names will also, inevitably, emerge as potential new recruits.

Shakhtar Donetsk's £20million-rated Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho was this week named as a possible target.

But Nasri's form has raised the possibility that he could stay and Platt has no doubt over his importance.

Platt said: "Even when people have been critical of him, I don't think he has had bad games. He is a very important player for us."

PA