Manchester City Football Club News

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:48,000

Bellamy keen to face Hammers

28 Sep 2009 - 11:55:57

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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has revealed that Craig Bellamy is champing at the bit to face former club West Ham United on Monday night.

The Wales striker has scored a trio of goals in his last three games and is desperate to face the club he left to join City in January.

"It's been a big week for Craig and I don't like playing him three times in a week, but he's really looking forward to it," revealed Hughes.

"He loves to play against his former clubs - he had a great time at West Ham and has a lot of respect for (manager) Gianfranco Zola and everybody at the club."

Hughes has also revealed that Roque Santa Cruz is in line for his City debut after shrugging off a knee injury which has dogged his time at Eastlands since arriving in a £12million deal from Blackburn Rovers.

He added: "West Ham is a difficult game and the extra days rest will have been crucial to us.

"We are up against a good West Ham side who like to get the ball down and play good football.

"That's how we like to play as well and hopefully we'll have a few more options available."