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Hargreaves hailed in marvellous return

Comment: 0 September 22nd, 2011 by: admin

OWEN Hargreaves was so impressive in his debut for Manchester City that no less than manager Roberto Mancini tipped him to make the England team again.

Hargreaves played as if he has not been injured at all and celebrated his return to competitive football by scoring a goal in City’s 2-0 drubbing of Birmingham in the Carling Cup on Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.

The 30-year-old midfielder blasted a 20-yard shot past Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle after just 17 minutes of action as City eliminated the visitors from competition.

An elated Mancini said later that with the way Hargreaves performed, he could find his way back to Fabio Capello’s lineup especially when he regains full match fitness.

“I was happy for Owen. He scored a great goal. He is a fantastic player. He can become an important player for us if he avoids injury,’’ said Mancini.

The Italian boss added Hargreaves was not selected for the Champions League side but they will include him in January because “four weeks ago when we named the squad, we did not know what his condition would be.’’

Mancini said it will be for the good of England if Hargreaves gets his old deadly form back.

Prior to his return, Hargreaves has been out of action for 10 months and has not played a full 90 minutes for three years. He made just 39 appearances in four years before being released by Manchester United at the end of last season.

Mario Balotelli contributed the hosts’ second goal after 38 minutes as City booked a place in the last 16.

“The last three years have been a learning curve for me,’’ Hargreaves told Sky Sports. “I could never have anticipated myself being in that position which was trying to make the most of a difficult situation.’’

Hargreaves, who received thunderous cheers and a standing ovation when he was substituted by James Milner in the 57^th, last found the net in April 2008 when he converted the winner in United’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal. However, he suffered injuries afterwards, leaving him on the sidelines and casting doubts whether he could still revive his career.

“There was a lot of frustration but I met a lot of wonderful people along the way that I would probably have never met, so I can’t say it was all bad,’’ he added.

Hargreaves linked up with City last month. His video on YouTube showing him working out and in top shape convinced Mancini that he was back in business.

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