Silva ready to step into Sane’s boots

AFP, MANCHESTER: Bernardo Silva is hoping to kickstart his Manchester City career by capitalising on the creative void left by Leroy Sane's absence over the next couple of months.

Germany international Sane faces up to seven weeks on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage picked up in City's FA Cup victory over Cardiff last weekend.

Silva took Sane's role on the left of City's attack as Pep Guardiola's men moved 15 points clear at the top with a 3-0 win over West Brom on Wednesday and is set to do the same for Saturday's trip to Burnley.

The Portugal international says the position is not one to which he is altogether accustomed but is desperate for a run in the side after seeing his opportunities limited since sealing a £43 million move (49 million euro, $61 million) from Monaco in July. ”I've never played much on the left,” Silva said ahead of City's clash at Turf Moor. “But this season I've played a few times on the left, on the right, in the middle.

“I know I'm not a fast player like Leroy Sane, I know I cannot do some of the things that he can.

“But I try to do other things and of course I try to improve myself.”

Sane's pace has been a key for the runaway Premier League leaders this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions. Silva, meanwhile, has made just seven league starts in his debut season in England.

“I want to try to get even better because this is not even close to what I can do for this team so I think I'm improving and I want to improve more and more.”

Silva ready to step into Sanes boots

AFP, MANCHESTER: Bernardo Silva is hoping to kickstart his Manchester City career by capitalising on the creative void left by Leroy Sanes absence over the next couple of months. Germany international Sane faces up to seven weeks on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage picked up in Citys FA Cup victory over Cardiff last weekend. Silva took Sanes role on the left of Citys attack as Pep Guardiolas men moved 15 points clear at the top with a 3-0 win over West Brom on Wednesday and is set to do the same for Saturdays trip to Burnley. The Portugal international says the position is not one to which he is altogether accustomed but is desperate for a run in the side after seeing his opportunities limited since sealing a 43 million move (49 million euro, $61 million) from Monaco in July. Ive never played much on the left, Silva said ahead of Citys clash at Turf Moor. But this season Ive played a few times on the left, on the right, in the middle. I know Im not a fast player like Leroy Sane, I know I cannot do some of the things that he can. But I try to do other things and of course I try to improve myself. Sanes pace has been a key for the runaway Premier League leaders this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions. Silva, meanwhile, has made just seven league starts in his debut season in England. I want to try to get even better because this is not even close to what I can do for this team so I think Im improving and I want to improve more and more.