Roberto Mancini plans to give new signing Adam Johnson the edge over his rivals for a World Cup berth by making the dazzling young left winger shine diamond bright for Fabio Capello.
Johnson's stunning switch to the right flank from an unfamiliar central starting position just behind the strikers was the catalyst for City's 2-0 victory over Bolton on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old winger that Mancini likens to a young Ryan Giggs - and instantly dubbed 'Magic' Johnson by fans, after the LA Lakers basketball star - gave a man-of-the-match performance.
Mancini too was excited by Johnson's sparkling display, but now aims to work on the former Middlesbrough prodigy's versatility with one eye on his England prospects this summer.
City's boss said: "He can be an important player for the national team. There are three months to the end of the season. If Adam plays well and often, I think he could have a good chance.
"It's important that a player can play in
different positions for if we have to
change tactics"
"You need two or three players who can do that - play behind the striker, on the right wing, the left wing ... striker, maybe. If we have those, it's good for the team.
"There are some good English wingers around. But usually in the national team we play a diamond midfield behind two strikers - so if Adam can play at the top of the diamond, or on the left or right, that's an advantage. It's good for us, for the national team, and for Adam."
Johnson is Cup-tied tomorrow because he played for Boro against City, but he can expect to be let off the leash again in Tuesday night's return to Premier League action, also against Stoke.
Mancini said: "I remember when Giggs was young, he has the same movement and that left foot. He works well and has a good chance for the future. I watched him train and knew he would be good against Bolton. He played very well but he is still young and can develop more."
Club ambassador and former England winger Mike Summerbee said: "There's a breath of fresh air about him and if he carries on making progress, I can't see how Capello could ignore him."
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