Just keep winning, Platt tells players

MANCHESTER City first–team coach David Platt admits he has no idea how many points it might take to shake off Manchester United in the title race.

Platt believes City's target in the closing months of the season is simple enough – to win as many games as possible.

City hold a two–point lead over United at the top of the Barclays Premier League with 12 games remaining.

When asked if he and manager Roberto Mancini had set a points target, Platt said: "No. How can we do that?

"We could turn around and say we need ‘x’, but ‘x’ might not be enough.

"We just go into every football match looking to get the points and we will see where it takes us."

With United not in action until Sunday, City have the chance to extend their lead when they take on Bolton at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

City were back to their free–flowing best as they overpowered Blackburn 3–0 last weekend.

It was a performance reminiscent of many which earned high praise in the autumn, but Platt is not overly concerned about how results are obtained.

He said: "It counts for nothing unless you put the ball in the back of the net.

"You can play all the beautiful football you want in front of teams but we have to, in the main, go and break teams down.”

City are close to full strength with Yaya Toure back from the African Nations Cup and striker Mario Balotelli having completed his domestic ban.

Former captain Carlos Tevez could even come back into the reckoning soon following his dispute with the club.