Britton expects City to be focussed

The Barclays Premier League champions host German giants Bayern on Tuesday knowing anything other than victory is likely to end their European dream for another year.

But Britton believes City's indifferent league form and the eight-point gap between themselves and leaders Chelsea means that Manuel Pellegrini's side will not take it easy against fifth-placed Swansea.

"I did see it advertised on the television the other night that they've got Bayern Munich on the Tuesday," Britton said.

"I did think to myself what their thinking would be in terms of what do they go for.

"In the last few years in the Champions League they have not done as well as they had hoped, but even if they change five players they have still got so much quality that they can still bring in top internationals.

"Their league form in recent weeks hasn't been what they want it to be but they are the champions.

"They need to do well in both competitions so I'm sure they'll put out a strong team against us."

City captain Vincent Kompany is fit to return following a calf injury but Edin Dzeko, Aleksandar Kolarov and David Silva will not feature against Swansea, who are in high spirits after their comeback victory over Arsenal before the international break.

Britton made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute in that 2-1 win as he finally returned from a baffling knee injury and his popularity at the Liberty Stadium was reflected by the huge ovation he received from the home supporters.

"The reception I got when I came out for the Arsenal game made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck," Britton said.

"It was a frustrating injury. I had some pain on the pre-season tour in America and they thought it was something called runners' knee on the outside of the knee.

"I came back, had a scan and it showed a lot of bruising on the bone underneath the knee.

"It was frustrating after that because it was just a waiting game, but if I'd carried on it could have broken the bone.

"You are not talking about a broken leg where it heals better. It's more acute and a trickier one to come back from so I'm glad we found it when we did and I didn't try and play through the pain barrier."

Britton's only remedy was heading for the gymnasium, something which did not sit comfortably with the 32-year-old Swansea legend who has racked up over 450 appearances for the club.

After all, as the 5ft 5ins Londoner puts it, his game is about possession and distribution at the base of the midfield rather than becoming embroiled in physical battles with bigger opponents.

"I'm a player that relies on being able to get about the pitch and move the ball about quickly rather than trying to hold off Yaya Toure," Britton said.

"Certain players suit going into the gym but I hate being in there picking up weights trying to be stronger.

"I had to stay off the knee and I didn't touch a ball for three months, so it has just been so boring going into the gym and doing the same exercises.

"I've got bigger shoulders than I've ever had but I was like a kid in a sweet shop when the ball was thrown at me.

"I'm just happy that my season's starting now and I'm champing at the bit."