Croft poised for City slickers

Joe Hart: he and Lee Croft will go head to head tonight at Boundary Park

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

LEE Croft, who lines up against his old club Manchester City in tonight’s big pre-season game (7.45pm kick-off), reckons he is on the way back to full fitness.

The 27-year-old right winger, on loan from Derby, was on terrific form in the 3-1 friendly win at Fleetwood on Friday, having a major hand in all three of Athletic’s strikes.

After being sidelined towards the end of last season’s loan spell at St Johnstone, self-confessed Blues fan Croft is feeling stronger and better with each session.

Against what is likely to be a strong City line-up tonight, Croft is targeting another positive run-out against the club at which he came through the ranks.

“I am looking forward to the City game, though with Micah (Richards) away with the Olympics squad there is only really Joe Hart that I know there now,” said Croft.

“It will be nice to play against my own team and it is a good stage to show where we are at.”

It remains a guessing game as to which Premier League stars will feature for City.

Hart is among a group of Euro 2012 performers expected to play some part at least, along with Joleon Lescott, James Milner, Samir Nasri, Gael Clichy and Nigel de Jong.

Edin Dzeko and Emmanuel Adebayor have been strongly tipped to play and David Silva and Mario Balotelli have also reported back to training this week and may make the short journey.






READ the full version of this story only in our print and eChron editions



Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle