Elano desperate to earn Hughes’ seal of approval

BRAZILIAN midfield ace Elano is hoping a superb performance for his country in midweek will spark a revival in his Manchester City career.

City’s visit to Portsmouth tomorrow for a rearranged fixture in the Premier League - both teams are out of the FA Cup - could hardly come at a better time for the player or his club.

Pompey are plunging towards the relegation zone following a series of disastrous results and this week sacked manager Tony Adams after his short spell in charge.

Paul Hart, son of former City player Johnny, is in the hot seat until a full-time appointment is made and his first job is to convince a team lacking in confidence that they can overcome a City outfit who smashed them 6-0 at Eastlands earlier this season.

Interestingly, that game was one of only 13 in which Elano and his Brazilian sidekick Robinho have started in the same City side.

They were in tandem again for their country on Tuesday, both players scoring goals in the 2-0 friendly victory over world champions Italy at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

Elano, who made an impressive start after joining City last season, has had a troubled campaign under new boss Mark Hughes.

He was fined by Hughes in November for speaking out about his lack of first–team appearances and was linked with a move away from Eastlands in the January transfer window.

However, Elano is determined to win the approval of the manager and hopes his midweek display will revitalise his career with City.

"Of course, it gives me a lot of strength, a lot of fight," said Elano.

"I am very hungry to show what I am capable of, to show that I can be useful, and I think I proved that.

"The Manchester City coach believes in me, but he has his way of putting the team on the pitch and I respect that because that's the way it is.

"I will continue to work hard so I can get into his plans and play, because what can you do? I have to work and do my best.

"If I give up and leave, everything will be worse for me.

"I never choose to act differently. I always try to do my best wherever I play."

City’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough last Saturday took them eight points clear of the relegation places, but Pompey’s dramatic 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool - a result which ultimately cost Adams his job - was a body blow for a team fighting to stay clear of the Premier League trapdoor.