Mutual respect for clash

RIVAL managers Mark Hughes and Arsene Wenger may not always see eye to eye, but there is clearly a mutual respect between them.

And City boss Hughes has even admitted he would like his side to emulate the kind of slick, passing football which is the trademark of Wenger’s Arsenal team.

As the two teams prepare for tomorrow’s showdown at the Emirates Stadium, Hughes praised the ability and flair of the Gunners.

Hughes, who enjoyed a feisty rivalry with Wenger during his time as boss at Blackburn Rovers, said: “We do have players of that ilk, and there are comparisons to be made.

“They have a few years on us, and we are not quite there yet. But their type of football is something to aspire to, maybe with some subtle differences.”

Hughes will be hoping Shaun Wright-Phillips has shrugged off the ankle knock which has been troubling him in recent weeks.

The problem did not prevent him from coming off the substitutes’ bench for England in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Ukraine at Wembley.

And Hughes, known for his shrewd dealings in the transfer market, reckons SWP, who arrived back at Eastlands after a spell at Chelsea, is one of his best recruits so far.

“He’s had ankle problems, bangs on his knees, shins, everything — but he always puts his hand up and is prepared to stand up and be counted,” said Hughes.

“He just loves football, I think that’s the top and bottom of it, and it’s plain for everybody to see. There are times when he plays when maybe he shouldn’t. But even then, he puts in performances that have an impact on the game.

“We’re delighted that he’s back. Him being here again has been great for everybody at the club.

“A lot of people know him from his years coming up through the ranks, and they all have a great deal of time and affection for Shaun.

“He’s come back to the club as a better player as well.

“Of all the deals that I’ve done, Shaun is up there with the best.”