Fabian Delph has thanked Manchester City fans for their "great support" on his return to former club Aston Villa.

The England international was heavily jeered when being introduced as a second-half sub in the goalless draw at Villa Park.

Delph admits that he was grateful for the backing from the away section, and hopes that he can now put his injury-stricken start to life at Man City firmly behind him in order to repay the supporters.

"It was great, the fans gave me great support and had my back," he is quoted as saying by ESPN. "It was always going to be interesting coming back.

"Obviously we never picked up the three points but we never lost the game. We got a point and have to concentrate on the next run of games. It's been really difficult [being out], I had a lot of injury problems when I was younger but I seemed to have overcome them.

"This is the first time in about four years I have picked up a niggle. It's been frustrating but I'm back now and back fit. I'm ready to push on now."

Delph joined the Citizens in a deal worth £8m, just seven months after committing his future to Villa by penning a new long-term contract.