Shouting match . . .

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes insists he welcomes shouting in the dressing room, believing it is "healthy" for players to speak their minds.

And the air was certainly blue after the way City crumbled at struggling Portsmouth two weeks ago in the Barclays Premier League.

But the players responded by drawing with Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup – after being on the verge of victory – at the Parken Stadium and then went on to hold Liverpool at Anfield.

Hughes insists those battling displays had much to do with the heated post–match inquest at Fratton Park.

Now he is looking for the same commitment from his players tonight when Copenhagen visit Eastlands with the score locked at 2–2 and a place in the last 16 awaiting the winners.

Hughes said: "It is important players can voice an opinion in the dressing room. I have always encouraged that."