Manchester City FC

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Santa Cruz eyes festive starts

10 Dec 2009 - 12:09:16

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Striker Roque Santa Cruz has revealed he is fully-fit and champing at the bit to start more games for Manchester City.

The Paraguay international joined City in a £12million summer switch from Blackburn Rovers but has seen his opening months at Eastlands dogged by a long-running knee problem.

However, after stepping up training in recent weeks, Santa Cruz claims he is now ready to take a more prominent role in the first team.

The former Bayern Munich striker has started just one Premier League game for Mark Hughes' side this season.

"I have been pleased with my progress over the past few months because I wasn't ready at the start of the season," he said.

"Since then I've worked hard and it's been good to get some matches under my belt.

"I need more match-fitness and I'm looking forward to being involved in the coming games, especially over the Christmas programme.

"But we have a big squad and everyone is waiting for their chance and I'm just waiting for my time to arrive."