Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has admitted that he is relishing the battle against Wayne Rooney in the upcoming Manchester derby.

City host United at the Etihad Stadium in what is being billed as the Premier League title-decider.

Kompany has insisted that he thrives on the pressure of big occasions and is looking forward to taking on Rooney once again.

"It's great to play against him," Kompany told the Manchester Evening News.

"He is one of the best strikers in the world, no doubt about that, and usually it's a very strong game, and we have played each other so many times.

"I enjoy that in a game. It's not just about the two of us, but it's nice to play against those top players. He has all the qualities of the top strikers - he is quick, powerful and is a goalscorer. He is also a leader for his team, and that makes him a special player.

"That makes it so much more enjoyable for me. I don't think things should come easy - if it's difficult, that makes winning even better."

Kompany joined Manchester City in 2008 from Hamburg.