Schmeichel set for City return

Peter Schmeichel has recovered from a flu virus and should return to the Manchester City line-up to face West Brom at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

The 38-year-old former Danish international has been City’s most consistent performer so far this term, turning in a string of superb displays as Kevin Keegan’s side have struggled to make an impact on their return to the top flight.

Ironically, with Carlo Nash deputising for Schmeichel, the Maine Road outfit turned in one of their best performances of the season last Saturday, defeating Birmingham 2-0 at St Andrews to lift themselves out of the drop zone.

However, having returned to training this week, Schmeichel will almost certainly be handed his place back for the return trip to the West Midlands.

Defensive duo Niclas Jensen and Steve Howey did miss training yesterday with slight niggles but Keegan is hopeful both will be fit to face the Baggies.

Meanwhile, the City chief has also managed to see the funny side of the knee injury which forced Bermudan striker Shaun Goater out of the action at St Andrews.

Celebrating Nicolas Anelka’s match-winning second goal against the Blues, Goater booted an advertising hoarding, damaging his knee in the process, which forced him out of the action.

“Goat’s fine but we have moved all the hoardings from the training area,” Keegan told www.mcfc.co.uk

“I don’t think we are insured for that kind of injury. We have all seen the funny side of it but it does show you how easily you can hurt yourself.”