After scoring past Rochdale and Tranmere Rovers in pre-season friendlies, he was given his Premier League debut on the opening day of the 2002–03 season, as City were beaten 3–0 by Leeds United at Elland Road. He got his first start for the club on 15 September, as City drew 2–2 at home to Blackburn Rovers; he was taken off for Danny Tiatto on 61 minutes. He made his final appearance for the club thirteen days later, as Michael Owen scored a hat-trick in 3–0 home defeat to Liverpool. He was sent out on a one-month loan to Colin Lee's Walsall in March 2003, and played five First Division games for the "Saddlers" before returning to Manchester. He signed a new one-year contract, despite raising concerns over a lack of first team opportunities.