Source: Daily_Mail
Owen Hargreaves backed for England return Manchester City
Owen Hargreaves made a sensational return to competitive football with a goal on his Manchester City debut and was immediately tipped to play for England again.[LNB]The 30-year-old former England midfielder smashed a 20-yard shot past Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle after only 17 minutes of play at the Etihad Stadium as City won 2-0 to knock the Carling Cup holders out of the competition.[LNB]Manchester City 2 Birmingham 0: Read Ian Ladyman's match report In dreamland: Owen Hargreaves celebrates after scoring on his Manchester City debut[LNB]City manager Roberto Mancini then tipped Hargreaves to break his way back into Fabio Capello's England team once he returns to full match fitness.[LNB]Mancini said: 'I was happy for Owen. He is a fantastic player. He can become an important player for us if he avoids injury.[LNB] Sharp shooter: Hargreaves took just 17 minutes to get off the mark for City as they beat Birmingham[LNB]'We decided not to pick him for the Champions League squad, but we can do it in January. Four weeks ago when we named the squad, we did not know what his condition would be.[LNB]'If he can become the player that he was, it will be very good for the England team. He scored a great goal and did very well, but now he needs time.' [LNB] Comeback: Kolo Toure captained City on his return to action[LNB]Before Wednesday night Hargreaves had not played at all for 10 months and had not played a full 90 minutes for three years.[LNB] Reborn: Hargreaves left the field to a standing ovation after his impressive debut for City[LNB]The City boss added: 'It was not easy for him before the game. After two years, I just hoped he could play for 45 minutes without injury. He moved very well and he scored a fantastic goal. I am so pleased for him.' [LNB]The game also featured a return to action for City defender Kolo Toure, who was made captain for the game.[LNB] Manchester City 2 Birmingham 0: Dream debut as Hargreaves sparks Mancini's menHargreaves eyes England recall as midfielder prepares for Manchester City bowKolo handed armband on comfortable return to actionAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion [LNB]
