Sun Jihai looks to extend Manchester City contract
(Manchester Evening News)
Updated: 2005-11-25 09:05

The Chinese international star stepped into the breach after injury and suspension left City without a presence in the centre of midfield.

And it allowed Jihai to add another string to his bow, having already turned out in defence and on the right side of midfield for the Blues.

"In the first half I was still needing to learn more about it with it being a new role for me, but I think I did better in the second half," he said.

"In the first half we didn't give enough pressure, and after the gaffer told us to give them more pressure I felt the team did better."

The player's versatility is both a curse and blessing for Jihai - as he has been employed as a substitute 10 times this season, in a variety of positions.

Saturday's game marked only his second start this term, though, and he admits he's just glad of the chance to play.

"To be honest I want to play the game in whatever position I am asked to play in," he told City's official website.

"If the gaffer tells me, 'you'll play here', I will do it. If he tells me I'm on the bench, I'll be ready for the game."