Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has pleaded with Ivory Coast to allow him to delay his departure for the African Cup of Nations.

Toure is due to join up with the squad on January 11, but he wishes to play in crucial City games against Liverpool in the Carling Cup and Wigan in the league before flying out.

"We're due to start training with the national team on the 11th," Toure said.

"The problem is in this country we don't stop while around Europe they have a break. Here, in December and January you are playing every three days.

"So maybe I can go on the 16th or 17th. The competition does not start till the 21st."

City have made requests to Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui to give Toure some leeway, and the 28-year-old has hinted that he believes that club comes before country.

"I have played for my country for a long time but I am focussed on what I am doing with City, it's a great challenge to win the Premier League," he said.

If the Ivorians are successful in the tournament, Toure could be out of action for City until February 12th.