James Milner has hailed his Manchester City team-mates for putting the disappointment of their Boxing Day defeat at Sunderland behind them.

Roberto Mancini's men have responded to that setback by claiming wins over Norwich and Stoke, and Milner insists the team spirit and work ethic at the club will continue to drive them forward as they seek to overhaul the seven point gap Manchester United have at the top of the Premier League table.

Milner also believes City can cope with the absence of Yaya and Kolo Toure when they pair go to the African Cup of Nations, insisting there is enough quality in the squad to manage without that duo.