Man City's Nasri delighted to mark comeback with winning goal

Samir Nasri has expressed his delight at marking his return to the Manchester City starting line-up with the winning goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory over West Brom.

Nasri, recently back from a long-term thigh injury, was named in a much-changed City side as boss Manuel Pellegrini cast an eye towards Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Stephane Sessegnon gave West Brom an early lead and, although Sergio Aguero levelled from the penalty spot on his 200th City appearance, the hosts turned in a stuttering display.

But Nasri grew into the match individually and, following the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure from the bench, the playmaker was on hand to slot home a 66th-minute winner.

City are now two points behind third-placed Arsenal as they bid to secure a top-four finish and, speaking afterwards, Nasri was quick to underline the importance of capitalising on the 3-3 draw between Arsene Wenger's men and sixth-placed West Ham earlier on Saturday.

"It was great to be back and to score the winning goal especially after the result of Arsenal and West Ham." Nasri told Sky Sports, before discussing the misery of his prolonged injury woe.

"It has been more than five months since I have been out so I can't explain how happy I am.

"The medical staff have done some good work but when you are out for so long, you want to prove to everyone you have the quality to be in the side.