LIFELONG City fan Stephen Jordan is happy to put his body on the line for his boyhood heroes.

The 23-year-old full back, whose entire family is Blue through and through, is relishing an opportunity to impress in Saturday's derby.

In true derby passion fashion, Jordan considered the seven stitches he received to a cut around his eye in last season's derby as just part and parcel of the heated occasion.

He explained: "I was brought up a City fan. There is not one red in our family.

"Playing for the club is the best thing that has ever happened to me, so the derby is massive.

"When games like this come up it is really exciting. It is a fixture you always look for. It gives me a special buzz.

"I usually suffer from nerves in the days leading up to the game but not long before kick-off I am okay."

Jordan claims he is not fazed at facing the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He said: "You have just got to worry about your own game, not who you are playing against.

"You are up against quality players in the Premiership each week, so you just get on with it."

The cup victory against Scunthorpe came after some poor performances in the league, and Jordan added: "It would be good to get back on the right track against United."