Wednesday 18 February 2015 19:49, UK
Wilfried Bony is hoping he can hit the ground running at Manchester City by continuing his fine goal record against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The striker joined the Premier League champions from Swansea a month ago but only linked up with his new team-mates this week after helping Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations.
He admits it could take time for City fans to see the best of him but is confident having scored three times in two previous Premier League games against the Magpies.
The 26-year-old told City’s official website: “It's not easy because I've just arrived from Africa and I will have had five days of training before we play Newcastle. I have to take it step by step and wait for the right opportunity to present itself.
"If I am needed, I have a good record against Newcastle - I've scored three goals in two games against them.
"They are a good side and are strong at the back but they are coming to our stadium and we need to win this game.
"Four days later we'll be playing Barcelona and we need to go into that game on the back of a strong performance."
I have to take it step by step and wait for the right opportunity to present itself. If I am needed, I have a good record against Newcastle.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini will hope Bony can take some of the pressure off Sergio Aguero, with Stefan Jovetic and fellow striker Edin Dzeko having managed just nine goals between them so far this season.
Meanwhile, midfielder Frank Lampard believes City will win the Champions League at some point and sees the double-header against Barcelona in the last-16 as the perfect test.
The 36-year-old said: "This is a trophy every big club needs in their collection and, the way City are heading, it is one that will happen at some point.
"These sorts of games are the ones you have to win if you are going to go on and win the competition.
"There were many years when I was at Chelsea when success was very close - I think I've played in four or five semi-finals and also lost a final against Manchester United, so to actually win it in 2012 was extra sweet and undoubtedly the best night of my career to date.
"I'd love to City do the same and I think it's the club's next step.”
