Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on Yaya Toure following his match-winning return to the starting lineup this afternoon.

Toure was frozen out by Guardiola in the opening months of the campaign following comments made by the midfielder's agent, but was rewarded with his first league appearance of the season against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park having issued an apology earlier this month.

Toure marked his comeback with a brace to seal a 2-1 victory for City, and Guardiola insists that he is delighted for the Ivorian.

"I am so happy for Yaya Toure, he is a really nice guy. His weight is perfect now, there are no doubts about his quality," he told reporters.

"At the beginning we did not count on him, he would not be here, but he can play many positions. I am so happy for him and his family. We have one more man to help us achieve our targets.

"The last month and a half he was amazing in training, his behaviour is absolutely everything. His teammates love him. He is going to help us to rotate the team, we need that."

Vincent Kompany's return was less successful as the captain was forced off with apparent concussion after just 35 minutes, and Guardiola confirmed that he could not take any risks with the Belgian.

"Kompany has a problem with his head, he could not see well. You have to be careful," he added.

The victory takes City joint top of the Premier League table, only behind Liverpool on goals scored.