Montenegro v England: Joleon Lescott returns from the Manchester City cold to take on lead role Lescott's last start before Friday was against Barnsley in the FA Cup quarter-finals a fortnight ago and, although the Championship opposition were relatively modest - and the scoreline convincing at 5-0 to City - they provided a more taxing run-out than the Sammarinese who had one single shot, way off target. Their players will have failed to attract interest from Conference clubs. "I played a couple of weeks ago against Barnsley so it was nice to play again," Lescott said. Anytime I am called upon, I have to make sure I'm ready. Prior to the Barnsley tie, Lescott was an 89th minute substitute against Chelsea and featured in the dire 3-1 away defeat by Southampton. The captaincy - albeit briefly held - was a sharp contrast to what he has experienced with his club recently, where he has fallen behind Kolo Toure in the pecking order, and Lescott added: "But you've got to keep yourself prepared physically and I've been doing that. I wasn't in the [England] squad originally but the manager said he wouldn't have any qualms if he needed to call me in. Indeed, Lescott's belated chance only came after Phil Jagielka, Michael Dawson, Phil Jones and Gary Cahill were all ruled out through injury and Rio Ferdinand absented himself. Lescott's worst fears were realised when he was omitted by Roy Hodgson from his original squad with the England manager citing a lack of first-team football for a player who had formed a formidable partnership with Vincent Kompany during City's title-winning season. Since then, manager Roberto Mancini signed 19-year-old Matija Nastasic and installed the Serb as first-choice believing that Lescott does not have the ball-playing skills required. Lescott wants to leave City this summer given his concern that his lack of club involvement with the club is affecting his international chances. With a year left on his contract, City are likely to demand just £4m for Lescott - who cost them £24m in 2010 - but he will probably have to take a cut on his £80,000-a-week wages. There is strong interest from former club Everton and also Aston Villa. Lescott ruled out a move in the January transfer window but will seek a change in the summer, especially if Mancini remains as manager at City.