Source: Telegraph
Joleon Lescott warns Manchester City fans I'm not John Terry
England defender Lescott, 27, is expected to sit out tonight's Carling Cup second round tie at Crystal Palace in order to build up his fitness in preparation for a full debut at Portsmouth on Sunday.
The former Wolves centre-half might have missed out on a move to City had manager Mark Hughes been successful in his audacious bid to sign Chelsea and England captain Terry.
But having arrived at City in the wake of Terry's decision to reject Hughes's advances in order to stay at Stamford Bridge, Lescott admits that he cannot bring the same qualities to Eastlands that Terry would have delivered.
Lescott said: "I don't think I can fill the role that John Terry has at this moment in time.
"Obviously he has been the leader of his club and nation for a long time now so he has more leadership qualities than I have.
"But I look up to people like that and believe I can achieve what he has done.
"It's nice of Mark Hughes to say I'm arguably the best defender in the Premier League. Obviously he believes that so there's no pressure there then!
"But everyone likes compliments and that's a big one coming form a man who has played football at the highest level."
Lescott has yet to secure a regular position in Fabio Capello's England squad, more than two years after making the breakthrough at international level.
But the centre-half is hoping that his move to City can enhance his international prospects and elevate him above current first-choices Terry and Rio Ferdinand.
He said: "I like to believe I can. At this moment in time, they are the two best centre halves and deservedly so.
"They have been at the top of the game for all of their careers, but as a player, you have to believe you can break into any team.
"I'm no different to anyone else and, hopefully, if I get a chance I can grab it with both hands."
