Gareth Barry believes Manchester City's expensively-assembled squad is peaking at just the right time, as the club chase Champions League qualification via a top-four finish.

The Eastlands outfit currently possess the all-important fourth spot in the Premier League, and after a slow start to the campaign the midfielder believes the team's strong performances in recent weeks, most notably a 6-1 demolition of Burnley followed by a 5-1 triumph against Birmingham City, should be a warning to rivals.

"It was always going to be tough at the start," Barry told the club's official website.

"It was never going to happen overnight no matter who we signed. We have top class players in the dressing room, and I think it's showing now that we are playing so well together."