Jack Rodwell says he can force his way in but Johnson may be set to leave Manchester City

Adam Johnson in action for England against Italy on Wednesday (EPA)

Manchester City's new £15m signing Jack Rodwell has described his transfer to the champions as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and said he believes he can force his way into Roberto Mancini's first team.

The 21-year-old midfielder, signed from Everton, won his third senior England cap against Italy on Wednesday and met his new City team-mates for the first time yesterday, having completed a medical on Sunday before he joined up with the England squad.

Rodwell said: "I believe in my ability and will go there with the right frame of mind. It's a great squad and I'll have to work hard to get into the team. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I believe that whatever squad I join I can add to it. It might take some time, but that's what I'm there for.

"I know I'll have to be patient, but I'm still young and have time on my side. I'll learn a lot and, hopefully, improve my game. I'm looking forward to working with all my new team-mates, but particularly Yaya Touré, who's a great player. I look up to him and he's a great role model.

"I don't see why we can't dominate. All the top four clubs think like that and there are a lot of clubs, especially Chelsea, who have spent big. I'm sure everyone will be fighting for it."

Injured for most of last season with a hamstring problem, Rodwell said that he believed the problem was behind him now. He played very little for Everton last season.

In the meantime his new City team-mate Adam Johnson warned that he may have to leave the club in order to get first-team football. The winger, who started for England in the 2-1 win over Italy, has been linked with Liverpool among others.

Johnson said: "I'm the kind of player that needs to be playing regularly. Any player does really, no matter what age they are. I need to play week in, week out. You can't just go into one game after not having played for five and be expected to perform.

"It'd be nice to get a run of games with England and, hopefully, I can push on to the next qualifiers. I'm not sure if I'll get that chance at City."