Roberto Mancini insists that his squad of ‘good men’ will bring sustained success to Manchester City.

Mancini’s patience has been sorely tested by the controversy surrounding Carlos Tevez over the last couple of weeks.

The manager has not been allowed to comment publicly on Tevez during the club’s internal investigations into the striker’s alleged behaviour.

But Mancini is convinced that his squad has the talent and mental strength to ensure it does not become a distraction.

City’s thumping 4-0 win at Blackburn before the international break kept them level on points with neighbours United at the top of the Premier League.

Mancini wants the Blues to maintain their great league start when unbeaten Aston Villa ­– and Shay Given – come to the Etihad Stadium next Saturday.

And he is convinced that, whatever City’s fate in the league this season, he has the players to keep the trophies coming after last season’s FA Cup triumph.

”When you build a new team, it is important to have good players, and also to have good men," the manager said.

"With these good men, you can build a strong team for the future.

“This is very important. And when you have good men, you can still lose sometimes, but in the end you will reach your target. I have them here. I am sure of this.”