Manchester City defender John Stones has admitted that it has been "difficult" to have lost his place in the starting lineup at the Etihad Stadium.

The 23-year-old was a fixture of Pep Guardiola's side in the opening months of the season, starting 16 of their first 18 games across all competitions, but an injury in November saw him lose his place and he has so far been unable to win it back.

Stones has not started a Premier League game since January 20 following the arrival of Aymeric Laporte and return to fitness of Vincent Kompany, but he insists that he is trying to stay positive as he gears up for England's friendly with Italy on Tuesday night.

"I've had a lot of time out to be fair. It's difficult. Every player wants to play week in, week out but I've had games here and there. I've been fighting and that's all you can do: train hard, keep working hard and when your chance comes you've got to take it and that's what I've done, stayed positive," he told reporters.

"I've had the players' backing and the manager's backing, it's one of those things where the team's winning games and playing well and you can't get back in just like that. It's tough, but I've got my first medal so I can't complain.

"Gareth [Southgate] has picked me this time and I've just got to take my chance when I get out on the pitch. Hopefully on Tuesday we can go again. I was enjoying my football and I've said many times when you are enjoying it you have nothing to worry about. I felt sharp and back to myself (against Holland) and I want to build on that."

Stones has made 27 appearances for Man City across all competitions this season, scoring three goals.