City midfielder Michael Johnson has previewed tonight’s mini derby clash with Salford neighbours Manchester United as mcfc.co.uk caught up with the 18-year-old.

“Yes it’s a big game but just like any game, it’s important that we win. Most of the lads are local lads and it’s a derby game regardless,” said the former Academy captain.

And after a relatively young side gave Frankie Bunn’s men an opening game victory against Liverpool last month, Michael added: “We’ve had a positive start to the season and played a decent game against Liverpool.”

With Johnson scoring the winner that night at Wrexham and tonight facing another big side in United, he said: “I love to play against them at any time and when you play against the good teams it is a good test for you.

“If you do well in it it’s a good stepping-stone. I just want to play well for the reserves, try and get in to the squad for the first team and keep progressing.”

The game takes place at the Regional Athletics Arena, SportCity, and gets underway at 7pm. Tickets are £3 for adults, £1 for juniors and senior citizens, while entrance is free for Citycard holders, Seasoncard holders and Live4City members. 

The Manchester City squad is as follows:

JOE HART  
ASHLEY WILLIAMS   
SAM WILLIAMSON 
GARRY BREEN  
MATTHEW MILLS 
MICHAEL JOHNSON
KELVIN ETUHU
STEPHEN IRELAND  
ASHLEY GRIMES
DANIEL STURRIDGE
ISHMAEL MILLER
CHED EVANS
LAWRENCE MATTHEWSON
JAVAN VIDAL
PAUL MARSHALL
BEN MEE