Dedryck Boyata is in no hurry to gatecrash the Manchester City first team on a regular basis.
Just as he was against Manchester United last term, Boyata was handed a surprise start by Roberto Mancini in Saturday's excellent Barclays Premier League win over Chelsea.The 19-year-old refused to be overawed by the demands being placed upon him, even though he was facing players he regards as his idols.
But there is no way he will be banging on Mancini's door demanding answers - he is having too much fun and learning far too many lessons for that as he said: "I am not in a hurry. I need to stay patient and I will wait for my chance."
However, with Jerome Boateng and Joleon Lescott nearing full fitness and both Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov to rejoin Mancini's squad at some stage over the next couple of months, the young Belgian accepts it might not be quite that easy.
Boyata added: "It is not a case of having a number of appearances in my mind for this season.
"Around me there are a lot of experienced players. I need to recognise that. Also, I am training with them every day and gaining experience all the time.
"As long as I can continue to do that, I am not even thinking about the number of appearances I will make."
Boyata benefited from the presence of Vincent Kompany and Kolo Toure alongside him on Saturday.
Although Mancini has been loath to single out individuals for praise, rarely during his entire time in England has Didier Drogba been out muscled in the manner he was by Kompany.
"We have other good defenders but Kolo and Vincent are very strong at the moment," emphasised Mancini. "We have only conceded two goals in six games - one penalty and one gift against Blackburn. That is very good."
Source: PA
