Matija Nastasic ready for festive fixtures

Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic has insisted that he is happy to play over the festive period.

The 19-year-old centre-back has never experienced matches over Christmas, having played the majority of his football with Fiorentina in Italy where they have a winter break.

However, the Serbian has admitted that he is fully focused on coming up against Sunderland and Norwich City.

"To me it is not a problem. I am always happy when I am playing, so this time of the season makes me happiest of all," he said. "My father and mother are here, so I won't miss my family.

"I don't look at the two long away trips as a problem at all. Now we concentrate on the Sunderland game, and then we focus on Norwich - it's not a headache.

"The league in Italy stops, and we have a break, but playing here is no problem for me. I am looking forward to the next couple of games."

Nastasic has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season.