Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is upbeat over his recovery from a hernia op.

He has got some minutes under his belt for the Elite Development Squad and hopes to return to Premier League action as soon as possible, although he will not be rushing things.

"I've had two outings with the Elite Development Squad now - 45 minutes against Middlesbrough and 80 against Liverpool and I felt a lot better in the second game so things are progressing nicely," Barry told the club's official website.

"I had a double hernia operation which meant an initial four weeks out, but then I tore a muscle in rehab which set me back a little bit, but I don't think I'm too far off now - touch wood! I'm just taking things one day at a time but I'm feeling quite strong again which is really good.

"The medical team and sports therapists will have a discussion, though I'm not asking too many questions. I had a comeback date prior to the muscle tear, but things don't always go to plan."