Lescott looks for reaction

MANCHESTER City defender Joleon Lescott is determined to end a proud unbeaten record in the Europa League tonight.

And he claims his side are not damaged by the derby defeat at the hands of Manchester United after Wayne Rooney scored a superb winner.

City are back in action against Aris Salonika, a club with a 24–match unbeaten run in European competition stretching back over 40 years at their Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium.

Ahead of this first–leg match in the round of 32, Lescott said: "I am aware of their record and it will not be easy.

“But we are confident we can beat anyone.

"We have to get United out of our system and focus on this match. It helps we have a game so soon, so let's try to get back to winning ways.”

Lescott found himself in Rooney's slipstream as he fired the winner.

He said: "While we were disappointed, I do not think we could have done anything about it.

"I don't think Wayne will be able to do that again soon. It was one of those goals by special players.”

Manager Roberto Mancini is convinced his side will suffer no lasting effects from the derby defeat.

He said: “We played very well against United and the defeat was hard to take, but now we have another important game to focus on.

"We have had three days to prepare for this game and we know it will be very difficult.

"But this is an important time for us and need to start a winning run.”

James Milner has been ruled out with a hamstring injury while Nigel de Jong remains sidelined with an ankle problem.