Source: SKY_Sports
Hughes - Petrov has future
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Mark Hughes insists that Martin Petrov still has a future at Manchester City despite his lack of football so far this term.[LNB] The Bulgaria international has played just 23 minutes this season following his substitute appearances against Arsenal and Manchester United.[LNB]The 30-year-old, who was signed from Atletico Madrid in summer 2007, has only recently recovered from the cruciate knee injury that forced him out of the majority of last season.[LNB]The winger was rumoured to be heading to Tottenham on transfer deadline day last month but ended up staying at City with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp opting for Portsmouth's Niko Kranjcar instead.[LNB]"Martin is a big part of what we are trying to do," Hughes said.[LNB]"He has not been a negative influence in any way and I know if I pick him from the start he will make a positive contribution.[LNB]Outstanding"Martin is not starting games because I am playing a different formation that lends itself to Craig Bellamy playing on the left and he has been absolutely outstanding.[LNB]"That has made it difficult for Martin to get back into the team. [LNB]"He understands that. But he also knows I will use different personnel against certain opposition and he can make an impact."[LNB]Petrov will be hoping to earn his first start of the campaign at home to Fulham in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, a competition Hughes believes can end City's 33 years without a major trophy.[LNB]"If you win trophies and have experience of winning trophies as a group of players and as a club, it helps you," he added.[LNB]"It shows you the qualities needed to overcome opposition and win things. We haven't got that yet. In terms of development it is probably our next step."[LNB]
