After one season in Division One we have been promoted as champions back to the top flight.

Our promotion was actually confirmed on Friday night when Wolves, who are second, lost to Millwall.

Then on Saturday we beat Barnsley 5-1 at Maine Road to secure the title in a game I missed out on due to my one-match suspension.

Though I missed that match there is no way I want to miss out on another crack at the Premiership.

I want to be a part of what will be an exciting time at Manchester City and I can't wait to play under Kevin Keegan against the best in the country.

There are not many bigger managers out there than the one we have and to play under Keegan is good for my whole career.

Before he came here I knew what he was about because of his achievements at Newcastle and Fulham and I knew how he liked to play attacking, attractive football.

As a striker you want to play for someone who puts an emphasis on that part of the game and I believe he will do exactly the same in the Premiership.

As I said I believe these are exciting times. We are due to move into a new stadium after the Commonwealth Games and with Keegan at the helm he can attract the big names to the club.

Everything is on the up and up and I believe we are heading towards a time where we might see some more silverware on the Blue side of Manchester.

On Friday night I celebrated our promotion with a drink - of coke that is.

I was at home and I just raised a glass and said 'well done boys'.

Saturday was a fantastic day, even though I was sat in the stands. But for me it could not match the first time we were promoted to the Premiership. It probably had something to do with the fact I wasn't playing but I think it also had to do with the way in which we went up.

Last time we played Blackburn on the last day of the season and even at half-time we weren't guaranteed to go up! We were getting hammered.

It was only in the last 45 minutes that we were promoted.

This time it has been in our hands for over a week now and it would have been a major surprise had we not got promoted.

We now have two more games to play and I know the manager will want to go out on a high.

With my suspension now served I hope, and am confident, that I will have a part to play.

I would expect to be playing for the simple fact that I think the manager will play those players that have done the hard work throughout the season.

I have actually played the most games this season at City. I have started 40 times and I know I have played my part and my record speaks for itself.

The closest person to me was Richard Dunne, who has started one less than me. Other people have started 33 games.

It has to be close to my best season. I have missed one game through suspension and have been injured two or three times.

I think the fact I have stayed largely injury free, certainly compared to last season when I didn't play in the Premiership until several months in, is down to our fitness coach, Juan Carlos.

People tend to look at your age and say 'he's getting on now' but I feel as fit as I have ever done.

The coach looks at you as an individual and makes sure everyone is right for the game. Some coaches' philosophy is 'you train the way you play' but he says 'I want you to be ready for the game. There is no point in you training hard on a Friday and then come Saturday being knackered'.

He has certainly helped my game but another aspect that has helped me through this season has been all the calls, e-mails and letters I have received from people back home.

I must say a thankyou to every last one of you who has wished me all the best.

I have received contact from members of Parliament, from the deputy Governor Tim Gurney, my old club North Village, local businesses and, of course, from many friends and members of my family.

It means a lot to me because I am a long way from my home.

When I get a letter or e-mail every now and then from people who say 'I have just read your column' or 'I saw your last game' it gives me a lift no matter how I am doing, whether I am playing well or not so well.

Through all the excitement that I am feeling at the moment I want the people back home to know that I am thinking of you and I thank you for your continued support.

To all those youngsters and those who follow me: Don't give up the dream. If you believe it you can achieve it!