Milner, 25, has suddenly found himself marginalised as the club bid for a top-four finish and a place in the Champions League for the first time. They also have the FA Cup final to look forward to on May 14 and a chance to end a 35-year wait for a major trophy. Milner has not featured in the last two games after being replaced in the 59th minute by David Silva in the 3-0 drubbing by Liverpool, to his obvious annoyance. In his absence City, defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final and secured a vital victory against Blackburn in the Premier League last Monday. However, Milner could have a part to play in the home match against West Ham on Sunday after some comforting words from Mancini. "James is disappointed he has not played in the last two games, but I trust James," Mancini said. "He is an incredible midfielder. "I think he can improve a lot, but for this we have time next year. Now we have another five games and the final and he will be an important player in this time." West Ham have picked up only 13 points from a possible 51 on the road and lost to Chelsea last weekend, but Mancini will not be taking Avram Grant's side lightly. He wants City to forget about the FA Cup final and keep Tottenham at arm's length in a bid to make Europe's top club competition. They could move to within to two points of Arsenal should they win their game in hand, but Mancini is refusing to look too far ahead. He said: "Every game is difficult. We have five league matches to go and need to be at our maximum in every one of them. "We must take it step by step. Now we have West Ham and our focus will be only on that game. "I saw them against Chelsea and for 45-60 minutes they played very well. We need to play very well. That is very important." Mancini could be tempted to recall Edin Dzeko to the team after he stepped off the bench to score his first league goal at Blackburn. Mancini said: "I am very happy for Edin. In the last two months he has not played much. For a striker that is very difficult but he can do everything and score more goals." Mancini will again be without injured pair Carlos Tevez and Micah Richards (both hamstring), as well as Jerome Boateng (knee).
