Michael Johnson is keen to avoid comparisons with former Manchester City star Colin Bell.

The 19 year-old midfielder told City's website: "I've heard a few people saying that now, but I don't think you can say that after I've played 20 games in the Premier League, maybe I have to play 200 before you can start making comparisons like that."

But it's someone alongside him in the Blues line-up with that experience that has helped bring on his game this season.

"My partner's Didi [Hamann] and he's got all the experience you could ever ask for.

"He's won the Champions League, played in World Cup Finals, so he's done everything.

"At every game I'm looking to improve and I think I'm doing that so far this season."

Having missed out on England U21s recent Euro 2009 Qualifiers with a groin injury, Johnson is now back in the City fold, and in training.

He added: "It's settled down and I've have a couple of injections on Sunday. Now I'm back into training, I was training yesterday and all seems well.

"It wasn't hindering me to start, but as the games after gone on, especially Newcastle and Middlesbrough, then I've had to come off."

So with everyone asking the same question, will he be fit for Saturday, a coy Johnson revealed: "Well I'm training, so I'll see if the Manager picks me."