Thinking time for City

MANCHESTER City know they need to think about how to fill the void Yaya Toure will leave in the New Year.

Toure, City's midfield driving force and last night named African Player of the Year, will be required for international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Nations Cup in South Africa in January.

The 29 year old was missed by City during last year's tournament, with his eight–game absence coinciding with the Premier League club's worst spell of the season.

As City prepare for tomorrow’s home Premier League game against Reading, Toure’s fellow midfielder Jack Rodwell said: "Yaya would be a big loss for us. He's been amazing so far and has been the engine in midfield.”

Rodwell is one of the players who would like to step into Toure's role as he eyes a return to action after Christmas.

The 21–year–old, signed in a £12million deal from Everton in August, has endured a testing start to his City career due to injuries.

He said: "It's been a frustrating start to the season and to my City career, but I'm focused now and ready to get back.”