'Rejuvenated' Tevez brimming with confidence ahead of Man City's PL defence

London -Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has said he once again feels useful at the club, and is looking forward to playing an important part in helping the Sky Blues defend their Premier League title.

Tevez's career appeared finished at the Etihad after refusing to warm up during a Champions League defeat in Munich in September.

The Italian coach insisted Tevez would never play for the club again and the 28-year-old spent six months on the sidelines after going AWOL in Argentina.

The Argentinean racked up almost 10 million pounds in fines and lost earnings before finally returning and apologising to Mancini.

Tevez warmed up with a blistering goal in City's 3-2 ­Community Shield win over Chelsea last Sunday.

City refused to sell Tevez this summer after failing to land Robin van Persie from Arsenal, but Tevez is confident of having a great season and admits he is delighted to still be at City because he feels wanted again.

"I'm returning feeling ­renewed and I'm really up for having a great season. I'm better now and only thinking about playing football. I feel useful and valued and that is fundamental for me," The Daily Star quoted Tevez, as saying.

"It has been a long time since I've scored a goal like that (against Chelsea), like the ones I used to score when I was at Boca, and this speaks of the ­confidence I have," he added.

City starts its Premier League campaign at home against Southampton on Sunday.