Rodwell eager to give more to City

Making only his third City start, Rodwell impressed on Sunday as Roberto Mancini's side defeated Chelsea 2-0 at home in the Barclays Premier League.

The 21-year-old, who has been plagued by hamstring problems, has managed a total of just 10 appearances since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Everton last summer.

Rodwell says he is now injury-free, though, and is eager to build on his latest showing.

Asked if he felt the performance against Chelsea was his best for City so far, Rodwell replied: "I'd say so, and the team performance was brilliant as well which makes it even better.

"I was in a few good positions and probably should have scored a couple, but I was in the right positions.

"I was probably fresh because I haven't played. I've been training really hard and I feel stronger than I was before.

"My last start was September. I've not really had a lot of opportunities.

"I've had a lot of injuries. I'm still young, so I'm still maturing bodily.

"I feel as though the fans have seen a little bit more of me (against Chelsea) but there's still a lot more to come in my opinion."

Rodwell, who missed the end of last season with Everton due to his hamstring issues, admits he was slightly surprised that Premier League champions City came in for him.

The England international, recruited in August for a reported £12million on a five-year contract, said: "I was a little bit (surprised), yes, because of the injuries.

"It was a good surprise though. They came in and I was fit at the time.

"I'd got a pre-season under my belt and I'd literally seen the German doctor (Hans-Wilhelm) Muller-Wohlfahrt a couple of months before so I felt I was fit at the time, but I obviously wasn't.

"I probably didn't do enough work after getting treated by him, which I know now.

"I was a little bit surprised but grateful as well."

Rodwell has had times where he has questioned his career prospects and is thankful for all the support he has received during his recovery periods.

Asked if there had been moments where he doubted he would get back from injury, Rodwell - who has made adjustments to his lifestyle and training in a bid to overcome his hamstring problems - said: "I did last season at Everton to be honest.

"I got a couple of hamstring injuries and I doubted whether I was just built for it.

"I've had my family around me all the time and that's been a great help. I've stayed strong and now I'm back.

"It is mentally hard. There are times when you come into training and you're set back again and you don't know what to do.

"But the staff here and the sports scientists and physios have really taken care of me.

"They've looked at the full picture and covered everything. I feel like they've done a really good job."