James Milner has put his lack of match time at Manchester City this season down to manager Manuel Pellegrini still getting to know his squad.

The midfielder has seen new signing Jesus Navas feature ahead of him so far this season, but expects to play again once the Champions League and Capital One Cup fixtures get underway in the coming weeks.

"I had a good pre-season but obviously we've made some very good signings at City. It's going to take time for the new players and the manager to settle in and get to know each other," ESPN quotes the 27-year-old as saying.

"At the moment we've had one game a week but as soon as we get back we're pretty much playing two or three games a week until January. I'm sure the team will get changed and when you get your chance, it's down to you to prove you should be in the team.

"With the amount of games we've got coming up, I'm sure I'll get a lot of games this season. Then it's down to me to perform in those games. The team is the most important thing."

Milner is predicted to feature for England during their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Tuesday.