Demi is Stoked to be enjoying warm weather training in Abu Dhabi

Demi Stokes is loving life in the sun after being sent to Abu Dhabi with five Manchester City team-mates for warm weather training. 

Following last Friday's 1-0 win over Women's Super League champions Chelsea, a number of City stars are ticking over in the United Arab Emirates during the international break. 

And with the club still battling for glory on three fronts, Stokes is relishing the change of pace ahead of the run-in. 

Speaking to City's official website, the defender said: "It's been good. Obviously, the sun is the exciting part but it's good to be out here. 

"It's a really nice group as well, so we're all enjoying it while also doing a bit of training."

Stokes has Steph Houghton, Laura Coombs, Leila Ouahabi, recent arrival Tara O'Hanlon and WSL top scorer Khadija Shaw for company. 

She added: "Usually, you're at home and just training full pelt. But to get some balance and switch off time is nice. 

"We've been by the beach or the pool for a few hours and then obviously when you've got training it's go time. It's been really good so far."

City return to action in the WSL on March 2 against Everton before facing Chelsea in the Conti Cup semi-finals five days later. 

And Stokes, 32, believes the time in Abu Dhabi will be of great benefit as Gareth Taylor bids to guide the team to silverware. 

She said: "Because it's a small and quite intimate group you get to have those small conversations and get to know everyone better. 

"Like Tara, for example. It's good to get to know her a bit more and integrate her into the team."

Defender O'Hanlon, 18, joined City from Peamount United on February 1.