The England international was City’s first summer signing, and with all the other big names that have arrived since it seems like Blues fans have had an extra-long wait to see him in action.
That moment came in Durban on last night, when Gareth played virtually the first hour of the 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs.
The 28-year-old looked immediately at home, but speaking to mcfc.co.uk afterwards, he was under no illusions that these games are all about getting ready for the start of the Barclays Premier League campaign.
“Every game is going to help, I’m getting used to the other players and they are getting used to me. Tuesday was the first step towards that, the more I play alongside them and them with me, then we’ll all get better together,” he asserted.
“I was delighted to get my first run-out, fitness is still the key thing at this early stage but I felt good wearing Manchester City colours!
“It was good that we came away with a win, the lads worked extremely hard and we deserved it.
“Coming abroad to different atmospheres and weather conditions makes it tougher, but that can only be a good thing. It’s harder work on the fitness side of things but we all put in a good shift and we will feel the benefits when we go back to England.”
In amongst all the experience that City boasted in Durban, the central defensive pairing of Ben Mee and Ryan McGivern, without a Premier League appearance between them, both put in an assured display that had their new team-mate purring.
“They both looked as if they have been around for a while; they have experienced heads on young shoulders. They did a lot of talking and even helped the senior pros, so that was a big plus that they came through the game and with a clean sheet too,” he concluded.
The team last night flew to Johannesburg where they will stay before the final of Vodacom Challenge on Saturday. It is a game that will be shown live on mcfc.co.uk kick-off 2pm.
