Michael Johnson is enjoying playing in Manchester City's midfield alongside Elano and Didi Hamann.

Of Brazil international Elano, Johnson told City's website: "It seems to be going well, he set me up against Derby as well didn't he? He's a great player, he can see good passes and he's got that ability to find you.

"We're all playing with better players, we've gone back into second now which just shows the quality that's been brought in. The main thing now is keeping our feet on the ground and taking each game as it comes."

The 19-year-old also praises his other regular partner in midfield, adding, "Didi's a great player, he can pick it up off the back four and distribute it as well as anyone in the Premier League.

"With him in there, that's giving me a licence to get forward and get more goals. The wide men are also getting involved, and as long as we keep picking up wins then the system must be working well."

Ever since he first caught the eye in the Academy side, Johnson has been likened to the great Colin Bell, and England Under 21 international says that he is flattered by the comparisons.

"I never saw him play but he's a legend, and he has a stand named after him after him here, so that's a nice compliment for me."