John Stones aiming to force his way back into Man City team amid increased competition | OneFootball

John Stones wants to give Pep Guardiola a selection headache and is looking forward to an exciting end to the season for club and country as he said he hoped he had put the lonely times of an injury lay-off behind him.

The centre-back captained Manchester City to victory at Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday, but it was just his second start since November after struggling with a calf problem.

Stones, who has been an integral part of the England defence at the last four major tournaments, was watched by Thomas Tuchel at St James’ Park as he stepped up his comeback.

“Nights like these make those tough times and the hard work worthwhile and the lonely times when you're training by yourself and the guys behind the scenes are helping you,” he told TNT Sports Mexico. “It's difficult when you put everything in and be as professional as you can be and try and do all the right things and you don't have the answers but it is what it is and we have to look forward. I look forward now and look at this exciting time, important time.”

Stones is now trying to force his way into the City side to face Real Madrid on Tuesday but the competition for places at the back has increased with the January arrival of his England teammate Marc Guehi.

Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov are also competing for the centre-back spots in Guardiola’s side and Stones added: “I'm sure the manager is happy and has a headache that he has everyone back playing well and on the other hand he has everyone to choose from for these big important games that we all want to get through and keep progressing and keep winning and put the pressure on in every situation.”

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Stones hopes he can force his way back into Man City's starting XI and the England squad before the end of the season (AFP/Getty)

Stones was crucial in helping City win the treble in 2023 and believes the experience of the senior group who have excelled in such situations before will aid newer and younger players in the run-in.

“It's a difficult one to explain that to someone that is coming into it,” he explained. “It's more a feeling that they get and a standard that is set by players that have been through those situations. It's down to us to keep setting those standards and those bars high and what is expected in these big moments. The odd word to the guys who haven't been in these experiences or moments before can be settling at times, I remember when I was going through them.

“Just knowing that people like me, Ruben, Bernardo [Silva], the boys around them, is a comforting thing and everyone that has come through this club the time I've been here has been a winner, it's something deep down within them and they know how to get over the line. Everyone has had a different upbringing and path to get to where they are right now and all those combinations that get put together are special. It's an exciting time and hopefully we can help the boys through that.”