Manchester City midfielder James Milner has expressed his delight at having been given an extended run in the first team in recent weeks.

The England international has been in fine form for the Premier League champions, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has rewarded him for that with four starts in City's last five games in all competitions.

Milner insists that he is not content to simply sit on the bench every week and says that his recent spell in the team has put him in a "happier place".

"I don't just want to sit on the bench and watch. I want to contribute and put a mark on the team and help us win. I don't want to be paid to sit and watch. I want to earn my money, help the team, and win trophies," the 28-year-old told reporters.

"You are not going to be around forever, you want to feel like you're contributing and enjoy your football as much as you can, so I am in a happier place now.

"You just have to be professional and keep yourself right when you are not being picked. The competition for places is massive at City and we have such a great squad so it's hard to play as many games. You are never going to play all the time. You fight for your place then hopefully it will make it difficult for the manager to leave you out."

Milner is currently on international duty with England and is expected to add to his 50-cap haul during Thursday's Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino.