Manchester City defender Jason Denayer is confident he can earn a regular place in the first-team's defence this season.
Denayer, 20, is yet to make a competitive appearance for City but is set to begin the campaign as the fourth-choice centre-back at the Etihad Stadium.
But the Belgium international, who recently signed a five-year contract, believes he can see off competition from Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis to break into Manuel Pellegrini's side.
"I have the confidence," he told the Daily Mail. "I think I can play some games, that's why I signed the new deal. The manager and staff have encouraged me and said I will get my chance.
"I wanted a deal with City from the start, so when the occasion came, I just signed it. At a big club like this, you have to improve with every training session. So if I do well, I may get chance to play."
Denayer spent last season on loan with Celtic, winning the Scottish title and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
But he is already a full international, who was praised by Belgium manager Marc Wilmots for his performance in June's win over France.
And he is hoping to link up with a compatriot in the heart of the City defence.
"Vinny speaks to me a lot and gives me good advice," he added. "He is a good guy, like having a big brother. He just told me to do whatever was best for me.
"Celtic gave me a lot of experience, and when I came back here, I decided I want to play here. The idea was to give me experience of a more physical game, and of playing in the first-team. It didn't come as a shock because before I went I watched a few Celtic games -- I knew it would be physical."