Source: Team_Talk
Mancini: Tevez is City's Rooney
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is desperate for Carlos Tevez to remain injury-free between now and the end of the season.[LNB] That is because the Italian boss believes the Argentinian is just a vital to the team's cause as Wayne Rooney is to Manchester United.[LNB]While Rooney is recovering from an ankle injury, Tevez will be aiming to put Birmingham to the sword on Sunday.[LNB]Tevez is looking to improve his 26-goal tally after finding the target in the 6-1 demolition of Burnley at Turf Moor.[LNB]He has settled in quickly after arriving at Eastlands in the summer from Manchester United.[LNB]Like Mark Hughes beforehand, Mancini knows how crucial Tevez is to the team.[LNB]Mancini said: "We have had a lot of injuries. I hope that in the last six games we can play with a strong team.[LNB]"Carlos is most important for us like Rooney is for United."[LNB]City are aiming to secure fourth place with the reward of a coveted Champions League slot ahead of Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa.[LNB]Mancini said: "I do not know if we are favourites.[LNB]"There are four teams chasing that place and it will be difficult for all of us.[LNB]"We have to keep the concentration we showed against Burnley.[LNB]"Four our last six games are at home and our supporters can play a part. Birmingham are a strong team, who defend very well. We will need to be at our best to beat them."[LNB]Meanwhile, Mancini says it is up to Nedum Onuoha to decide whether he turns his back on his England ambitions and pursues the prospect of playing for World Cup finalists Nigeria.[LNB]The England Under-21 full-back was born in the African country but moved to the United Kingdom when he was seven.[LNB]Onuoha has indicated he is thinking of switching allegiance to Nigeria, where former Sweden coach Lars Lagerback is in charge.[LNB]Mancini said: "I have not spoken with Nedum and it must be a personal decision.[LNB]"I think he would like to play for England but if this is difficult then appearing in the World Cup is important for a player.[LNB]"If he has a chance of playing for Nigeria then that is a good thing. But he has to decide."[LNB]Lagerback is scheduled to travel to England next Wednesday and Onuoha is on the list of players he intends to meet.[LNB]Media officer Idah Peterside told www.kickoffnigeria.com: "We reached out to him some time ago but he said he needed to clear some things up with his family.[LNB]"It is good news for us that is now ready to play for Nigeria. But saying that does not automatically guarantee him a place in the team.[LNB]"The coach has made that clear to everyone they have to show they are committed and ready to give everything for their country."[LNB]
