Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic full of festive cheer

24 December 2012 13:17

Manchester City youngster Matija Nastasic is relishing his first taste of England's traditionally busy Christmas fixture schedule.

The 19-year-old centre-back, who has made a big impression since his arrival from Fiorentina in August, is unfazed by the prospect of playing five games in the space of 15 days.

Ahead of trips to Sunderland on Boxing Day and Norwich next Saturday, he said: "To me it is not a problem. I am always happy when I am playing, so this time of the season makes me happiest of all!"

He added: "My father and mother are here, so I won't miss my family.

"I don't look at the two long away trips as a problem at all.

"Now we concentrate on the Sunderland game, and then we focus on Norwich - it's not a headache.

"The league in Italy stops, and we have a break, but playing here is no problem for me. I am looking forward to the next couple of games."

City needed a last-gasp winner from Gareth Barry to beat Barclays Premier League bottom side Reading in the first of their festive matches at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Although Reading showed commendable resilience throughout, Nastasic felt victory was deserved for City's obvious superiority and greater number of chances over the whole game.

Nastasic said: "We knew the game would be difficult because it was obvious they would just come and defend, but we deserved the goal in the last minute."

Source: PA