PREMIER LEAGUE: Pellegrini has 49 million reasons to back new-boy Sterling

Raheem Sterling will be the centre of attention as Manchester City start their season against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

The England winger moved from Liverpool to City for £49m in the summer following an acrimonious end to his Anfield career.

But manager Manuel Pellegrini is backing the 20-year-old to prove he is worth every penny.

He said: “Raheem has settled in very well. He wants to come here, he wants to have new challenges. I don't think he deserves criticism about that.

"He is working very well and it is easy for good players to settle in a good team. I think we are going to have a very successful player this year."

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Sterling is likely to be thrown straight into the action with Pellegrini having suggested that he may ease his four Copa America players, including star striker Sergio Aguero, back into action because of their summer exertions.

There could also be an opportunity for Wilfried Bony, who is now the only other senior out-and-out striker in the squad following the departure of Stevan Jovetic and imminent sale of Edin Dzeko.

Bony has made a slow start to his City career, scoring just twice since his £28m January move from Swansea.

Pellegrini said: "Bony is a very good player. He was very unlucky last season because he started with the African Nations Cup and after that he had an injury for about a month and a half. We have a squad and have to fight for four titles. I think Bony will be very important in that squad."

Meanwhile, City team mate Fernandinho has backed Sterling to silence the boo-boys, insisting: “I think he is strong character with the right personality. I remember seeing him in an interview talking about his determination to win trophies and I'm sure he will be able to manage the situation."