Hargreaves a hit on City debut

OWEN HARGREAVES enjoyed a sensational Manchester City debut as he opened the scoring in his side’s 2-0 Carling Cup triumph over Birmingham at the Etihad Stadium.

Released by Manchester United in the summer after three injury-ravaged seasons, the midfielder drove home a superb 25-yard shot after 18 minutes and was deservedly named man of the match.

Mario Balotelli added a second before the break to secure City’s passage into the last 16 and end the holders’ interest in a much-derided competition that will never be dismissed by Hargreaves, as long as the former Bayern Munich man draws breath.