Toure vows to lead title charge

As an experienced player and a past winner with Arsenal, Toure believes he has a duty to his team-mates to guide them through the closing weeks of the season. City lead the table by two points with 11 games remaining and Toure could have a key role to play, particularly in the short term with influential captain Vincent Kompany out with a calf injury.

He said: "I am there for that. We have a big squad and every time the manager needs a player to step up and give his best, we have to do it. For me, I will give 100%, like I usually do. I am more angry than ever after all the difficult time I had. I just want to play and play well for my team."

City have not won a league title since 1968 and Toure believes his experiences, as well as those of his Champions League-winning brother Yaya and World Cup victor David Silva, will be crucial as they bid to hold off Manchester United.

The 29-year-old said: "That is why we are here, that is why we came to City. We need experience as well as quality and now is the time to show it."

City will hope to protect their advantage as they travel to Swansea on Sunday while United host West Brom.

Despite his determination to win the prize, Toure admits the race with United is almost too close to call and the derby clash between the sides on April 30 could be decisive.

He said: "We know the quality United have. To be honest it is 50-50 at the minute.

"We just need to be careful. It is going to be a great end to the season.

"If we can beat all the teams we are going to play against, then it will be like a final against United. I think that will be the best scenario - it would be massive."

Source: PA

Source: PA