Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has backed Stevan Jovetic to become a key player for his side next season.

The 24-year-old struggled to get into City starting lineup last season as injuries and lack of form saw him drop down the pecking order at the club.

However, Pellegrini feels that the Montenegro international can step up following his two-goal performance in his side's pre-season win over AC Milan at Heinz Field.

He told reporters: "With Stevan I think he had very bad luck last season. He had a lot of injuries the whole year.

"It's very difficult for a player to have an important performance when he cannot play three games in a row. At the end of last season he started playing very well.

"Now that he works continually he will demonstrate why he's here at Manchester City. I think he's a very good player."

Jovetic scored six goals for City last season following his £22m move from Fiorentina.