Fowler targets Old Trafford return

Robbie Fowler is targeting next month’s Manchester derby for his long-awaited comeback.

The former England striker has failed to make an appearance in the season so far after being struck down by a back problem.

Manager Stuart Pearce admitted prior to Saturday’s win at Birmingham that it could be “weeks” before the 30-year-old could return to the Blues side.

However, after returning to light training last week, Fowler now believes he could be a contender for the September 10 clash at Old Trafford.

“Through the summer we all had fitness programmes to follow but I kept suffering from cramps in my legs when I was doing my training,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“I came back a little bit early and got tested out but it was a bit of a puzzle. In the end I had to go for a scan. It turns out that I had a tear in one of the discs in my back and I needed injections.

“Part of the problem might have been simple wear and tear but some mornings it was so painful it took an age getting out of bed.

“Anyone who has suffered from a bad back knows how much agony it can cause. Since I have had the injections I have upped the training and feel much better.

“The idea is to pick the work up another level this week with an eye to being back a couple of weeks after that.

“The derby match might be one to aim for at Old Trafford.”

Fowler has not kicked a ball for City since missing the penalty against Middlesbrough on the final day of last season which cost the club a UEFA Cup spot.

Stuart Pearce’s side have done well in his absence, picking up four points from their opening two games and pushing themselves in line to top the Premiership if they beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this evening.

However, with only untried youngster Bradley Wright-Phillips to back up first-choice strike pairing Andy Cole and Darius Vassell, Pearce will await Fowler’s return with eager anticipation.