Manuel Pellegrini is backing Wilfried Bony to make an impact for Manchester City ahead of his side's Premier League opener against West Bromwich Albion.

Bony arrived at City from Swansea City for big money during the January transfer window last season but the striker was unable to make much of an impression after struggling to adapt.

With Bony now having a summer pre-season under his belt with City, many expect the striker to come good and manager Pellegrini has also backed the Ivorian to become a key player for his side.

Pellegrini said: "Bony is a very good player. He was very unlucky last season because he started with the African Nations Cup and after that he had an injury for about a month and a half.

"We have a squad and have to fight for four titles. I think Bony will be very important in that squad."