Source: Man_City
Bridge hopes to be back for derby
Wayne BridgeWayne Bridge is closing in on a derby return as City look to seal a Champions League spot. The left-back has missed the Blues' last four games after undergoing hernia surgery - but has returned to training. Roberto Mancini may even give Bridge some game time against Birmingham at Eastlands tomorrow. But the City boss has indicated he is managing the defender's comeback with a view to making sure he is ready for the Reds. "Wayne has only been back in training with us for three days, so we will have to make a decision on him," Mancini said. But the Italian is less optimistic about centre-back Joleon Lescott, who is facing the rest of the season on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in the warm-up at Fulham on March 21. The injury has put Lescott's World Cup prospects in jeopardy, with England coach Fabio Capello insisting he will only take players who are fully fit. "Joleon is continuing to work every day, but at the moment we don't have any news," Mancini said. Meanwhile, the City boss has backed Nedum Onuoha's plan to turn his back on Capello in a bid to win a World Cup place with Nigeria, the country of his birth. Former England U21 captain Onuoha told M.E.N. Sport he would welcome an approach from coach Lars Lagerback. Mancini said: "I think it has to be a personal decision. If Nedum does not have a chance to play for England, then it is a good choice. "I think Onuoha would like to play for England, but if this is difficult, then playing in the World Cup is important for a footballer. "If he has this chance with Nigeria, then that is a good thing."| Submit Comments| Comments (4)| PrintWhat's this? Emaildel.icio.usDiggredditFacebookStumbleUponNewsvineGoogle BookmarksNetscapeTechnoratiWindows LiveYahoo! MyWebMa.gnolia
