Fit-again Michael Johnson knows he faces a massive battle to earn a place in Manchester City's midfield.
The England U21 international told the club's website: "Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Stephen Ireland are all top class international players and there is still Vinnie Kompany to come back too so am I well aware of the challenges that are ahead of me.
"But that is in the future. For now my aim is to get physically fit and this week has been part of that.
"The reserve game was tough against a good Liverpool side but I got forty-five minutes in. I hope people don't expect too much too soon. I have a year of not playing and I am just glad to get out on a pitch and get running around."
