The 23-year-old was a regular member of Mark Hughes' starting line-up at the back end of last season and readily agreed a new four-year contract.

Although Onuoha's performances caught the eye, they did not help him much this term once Kolo Toure came to the club.

The addition of Joleon Lescott only made matters more difficult and the former England Under-21 star did not feature for a single minute of City's opening five matches.

Onuoha's frustration was only compounded by a hip injury, from which he has only just recovered.

And now he is desperate to make up for lost time, knowing what fate awaits if he does not manage it.

"I was very happy to sign my new deal," he said.

"I was looking forward to the start of the season because there was so much hope and expectation around and I was desperate to be part of that.

"But when I saw Richard Dunne, who has been such an ambassador, leave the club and others come in, I thought it would be harder for me.

"You can be realistic, optimistic or pessimistic.

"Much as I love the club, I wouldn't want to be out of the side for the next five years.

"If there comes a point when I am not wanted, there is not much I can do. For now I am wanted and I want to stay and play more games."