Joleon Lescott fears England axe

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has admitted that he cannot afford to spend another season on the sidelines if he wants to play for England at next summer's World Cup finals.

Lescott has been a peripheral figure at the Etihad Stadium this season, starting just 13 matches after falling behind Matija Nastasic in Roberto Mancini's pecking order.

With an uncertain future ahead, Lescott has admitted he may be forced to seek first-team football elsewhere to salvage his international ambitions.

He told The Mirror: "It would be tough to have another season like this.

"I've only started 13 games and that's not great going into a World Cup. If my place in the squad was secure at international level, then it would be a little bit easier.

"I only got in the last squad by default. You can't expect to play for England if you're not playing for your club. But as long as I'm here, I'm happy to do a job for the team and the club. I'd love to stay here but if it's not to be, then so be it."

The 30-year-old returned to partner Vincent Kompany last weekend as City secured a 2-1 win over West Ham United.