City's arthritic goalie Tim Flowers has vowed that he will carry on playing next season despite his arthritic hip condition that has left him to play just three games so far this year.

34-year-old Flowers has already admitted that he will eventually need to have his hip replaced but insists that he will carry on next season and is hoping to put this season's injury problem behind him.

Flowers said, "I intend to start training straight away in the summer after going away on holiday. I'm also taking a 10-day coaching course as well.

"It's far better for me to keep chugging along and be active. I stiffen up more when I have a couple of days off and don't do any training.

"So I intend to make sure I do some work every day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the injection I've had works for the required length of time and hasn't worn off when I report back for pre-season training."

Flowers also admitted that he is looking forward to facing his old club Blackburn next season after they were promoted back into the Premier League. Flowers, who left Blackburn when they were relegated two season's ago said, "I'm certainly looking ahead to next season when I will be up against Blackburn.

"I'm delighted for them and glad they are back up but I hope we can spoil their party."