Vassell set for City return

Manchester City striker Darius Vassell will be back in action for the start of pre-season training following a successful hernia operation.

Vassell played through the problem at the back end of the season but knew he would have to have surgery at some stage.

City medical staff have now confirmed the 26-year-old’s recovery is going to plan and will be fit to report back with the rest of Stuart Pearce’s squad when preparations for the new campaign begin on July 10.