Croft vows to adapt

Last updated : 17 February 2005 By Ben Collins

The 19-year-old wide-man, who favours the right, has returned from a 3-month loan stint with Oldham, which he believes has done his career prospects no end of good.

But because England international Shaun Wright-Phillips is blocking his progress in his preferred position, the England youth international has vowed to earn a place elsewhere in the City line-up.

"I had played in the reserves for so long at City that the manager felt I had come to a bit of standstill and that going out on loan would be beneficial and he was correct," Croft told the official City website.

"He wanted me to prove to him that I could play at a decent first team level and hopefully I have done that.

“I am willing to play anywhere in any system for City - everyone knows my passion for the club. I know there is a mountain to climb but I want the chance to climb it."

“There is probably no better player in the country on the right than Shaun so I am under no illusions about shifting him from the team," added Croft, who featured for England’s U20s last week.

"I know I have to be adaptable and maybe change my game a little bit if I am to force my way into contention.

"I’ve been offered an extension on my contract of a year and we are discussing it at the moment but nothing has been signed.

"Obviously I want to stay at City and the talks are nothing to do with money or the length of deal. For me, the decision is all about playing football.”