Source: Eurosport
Petrov set to play his part
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has hinted that Martin Petrov will play some part in Thursday's UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg in Hamburg.
Petrov returned to reserve-team action only on Monday at Newcastle, playing 45 minutes after a six-month absence with a knee injury.
Hughes was there and was impressed at the way the Bulgaria winger performed on his comeback - so much so he looks likely to get some game time against Hamburg.
Speaking before training on Wednesday night, Hughes said: "Martin is an outstanding player. He gives you great quality, not just with his knowledge of the game but his ability to deliver great balls into good areas.
"We have missed him this year. If we had the option of Martin before, I am sure he would have had a positive impact on games.
"To see him play against Newcastle was a great thing for everyone. He had 45 minutes of good play.
"He looked sharp; he looked ready. He is very much in our thoughts for the game."
Hughes, who will be without former Hamburg midfielders Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong, intends to field his strongest available team.
Hamburg, under former Tottenham manager Martin Jol, are joint top of the Bundesliga and in the semi-finals of the German Cup.
Hughes said: "You need to treat the UEFA Cup with respect, in my book, because it is a prestigious competition. You have to name strong teams.
"We have come a long road this season, and it would be crazy to give up now. Why not try and win?
"We want to be in Europe again next season. It is important for the profile of the club, because there is a big focus on us with new owners.
"We are probably fighting for seventh place in the Premier League, and that would probably be enough to qualify. But ideally we would like to qualify as holders of the UEFA Cup.
"That feeling was echoed by defender Micah Richards, who said: "We are all excited about this match. They beat us 1-0 in pre-season and we were disappointed about that.
"We are confident and ready for the challenge tomorrow. We will give 100% and hope to get a result. The important thing is to keep a clean sheet.
"Playing in Europe is a lot different to the game at home, because the pace is slower.
"The UEFA Cup means a hell of a lot to the players. We have come this far and don't want to give it up."
This is City's 15th game in the competition, after they began their journey back in July - and the toughest yet, according to Hughes, with a 52,000 crowd expected at the Nordbank Arena.
He said: "This game against Hamburg has captured the imagination of a lot of people.
"It is a difficult tie for us, because they are playing very well. It is one of the most difficult games we could have had."
