Manchester City Football Club News

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

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

Hughes praises Citizens pair

29 Jan 2009 - 08:15:07

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Manchester City boss Mark Hughes picked out Robinho and debutant Craig Bellamy for praise following the 2-1 home win over Newcastle United.

Bellamy marked his Citizens bow with a goal, while Brazilian ace Robinho put his recent off-field problems behind him to torment the Magpies defence.

A delighted Hughes said afterwards: "Robinho was fully focused and looking ahead to the game.

"Mentally he was in the right place, he was concentrating on the job in hand and it was never any real doubt for me that he should play.

"The good thing was he played an intelligent ball to release Shaun Wright-Phillips for our first goal.

"The icing on the cake was Bellamy's performance. Craig will strengthen this team because he is a quality player.

"A lot of people's judgement of him is clouded by past misdemeanours but there is no doubt what he can bring to us.

"His pace and running off the ball is something we have not really had and he can help open up defences for us.

"Craig could have stayed at West Ham and been a top player for them for five years. He could have been up there with Paolo Di Canio as one of their very best.

"But he wants to be remembered for football and he wants to make his mark on the game. He wants to play at the top level and wants to be part of what we are trying to achieve here."