Roque Santa Cruz has already won one battle this season - now City's summer signing faces a fresh fight to force his way into a starting place in Mark Hughes' side.

The Paraguay striker has finally recovered from the knee surgery he had at Blackburn last season and has stepped off the bench in each of the last three Barclays Premier League games.

But "Rocky" accepts he is up against heavyweight opposition for a regular spot and is ready to call on the mental strength he had to develop in his formative years with Bayern Munich.

Santa Cruz said: "It is a very hard situation for the manager, even more when we are all fit. Tevez scored two the other week, Manu is back, Robinho is waiting, Bellamy has played very well ...

"It's not an easy choice for the manager, but as long as the team is playing well and everybody is performing, you are hungry to be a part of such a squad and wait for your chance.