Welcome return for City pair

Steve McManaman and Ben Thatcher are back in Manchester City’s squad for tomorrow’s encounter with Southampton.

McManaman, who has been troubled by an Achilles injury all season, will have to be content with a place on the bench.

But Thatcher’s return after two months out following ankle surgery is automatic as Stephen Jordan has been ruled out for at least a month with an ankle injury.

Thatcher’s introduction is likely to be the only change to the side which drew with West Brom on Tuesday.

Squad (from): James, Waterreus, Onuoha, Mills, Distin, Sommeil, Thatcher, Dunne, Bosvelt, Flood, S Wright-Phillips, Barton, Sibierski, Fowler, McManaman, Macken, Anelka, B Wright-Phillips.