Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has warned Nigel de Jong the competition for places won't let up with the departure of Yaya Toure for the African Nations Cup.

Mancini says he is also counting on Owen Hargreaves to be fit in January.

"I don't think Nigel is happy - there isn't a player who is happy if he doesn't play," said Mancini. "But he is a serious professional player and I am sure that when he plays he will play very well.

"I also hope that Owen can be fit for January."

Mancini also insisted the state of de Jong's contract was irrelevant.

"We can't think about this - we are concentrating on these two months and Nigel, like the other players that don't play, can have a contribution," he said.