Marc Vivien Foe fears his upcoming suspension could deal his hopes of establishing a place in City`s first choice XI a blow, but won`t complain if he is left out.
The Cameroon international, who has agreed a one year loan spell at Maine Road, must serve a four-match ban imposed for offences committed while he was with West Ham over two years ago.
That means Keegan will start the season without him, offering others the chance to make an early impression and possibly keep the midfielder out of contention for a while.
Foe`s first game could be the trip to Highbury to meet the Premiership Champions Arsenal on Tuesday 10th September, and he admits it will be very hard to miss out the opening games.
"I hope the situation will be ok," said Foe, "but it`s going to be very difficult for me and
very difficult for me to even watch the games.
"If I play after my suspension I will be happy, if someone else is playing instead then I`ve got to be happy for him. We have to all stick together."
Foe is very keen on playing for the team and not just himself, and that `sticking together` theme could become a trademark of City`s season if Foe has his wish.
"The most important thing for me is that we play for each other, and I think we have to fight together because as long as we all stick together we`ll get some good results.
"My job is to work hard in midfield, I`m happy to have players like Ali and Eyal around me. I have to work hard for them so that I can get the ball to them to score and make goals. It`s going to be ok.
"If you want to be successful you have to work hard."
