Walking into our changing rooms for the first time following our promotion to the Premiership last season I could not help but think to myself that this was what I came to England for.

When I left Bermuda all those years ago I wanted to play alongside the most recognisable names in the game.

And now a few seasons on I am.

I had the opportunity to play in the top flight two years ago but it's a whole different ball game this time around.

For a start we have Nicolas Anelka, who has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world - Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and last year Liverpool.

We also have Mark Vivien Foe, the Cameroon international, and then there is my good friend Paulo Wanchope, who recently starred for Costa Rica in the World Cup. That is to name but a few.

This is where I wanted to be when I first put on a pair of boots back home. The challenge for me now is to become a regular in a side of this calibre.

Don't get me wrong, I am not in awe of these players. I feel I am more than worthy to be among their number.

I am at a big club with big name players and I have earned the right to be there. I am not in the Premiership with just any old team, a small side where I might be one of the biggest names there, I am at Manchester City.

This club is going places and it feels really good to be in the mix and to be challenging. Am I up for this? Certainly.

Being the second time in the top flight I am a bit more relaxed. The first time is an experience you can't beat, you have lots of expectations, fears and questions. When you finally get out there and play those questions are answered.

This time around all I've got to worry about is performing well on and off the pitch and giving the gaffer a selection headache.

With that in mind I've been keeping in shape during the close season.

While home I regularly went out running along Horseshoe Bay early in the morning when the air was at its freshest and it has paid dividends as I have returned to Manchester the same weight as when I left - which for me is pleasing.

In the past I have not been a good boy when I have been to barbecues.

I remembering trying to explain to our previous manager Joe Royle why it was so difficult for me. I said to him "You just don't understand what Bermudian food is like!"

This year I have done remarkably well. When I had to say no I said no.

That's all part of the battle and now instead of having to worry about losing weight I can just concentrate on getting back to full fitness.

Five weeks between returning and the start of the new season is not a long time if you are wanting to be back at 100 percent. And I will need to be close to my peak if I am to help us get off to a good start.

Getting points on the board early on is going to be very important, it will help the new players bed in and atmosphere around the club will be so much better.

But we have to remember there are another 19 clubs all holding that same desire and there's a long season ahead of us.