Mancini pins faith in Vieira

Roberto Mancini says he believes Patrick Vieira could play for another three seasons.

Vieira set up Emmanuel Adebayor’s second goal in a 2–0 win for City against Bolton at Eastlands last night, which allowed them to fight Liverpool for fourth spot in the league.

His performance was a response to jibes that the former Arsenal captain is over the hill.

Mancini certainly does not feel there is even a grain of truth in the theories.

“I played until I was 36 — and I was still playing well,” said the Italian.

“I see no reason why Patrick can’t carry on as well.

Fellow new–boy Adam Johnson, an £8million deadline–day arrival from Middlesbrough, gave a man–of–the–match display that brightened up an otherwise below–par Blues showing.

It was Johnson who created City’s first–half opener when he surged past Paul Robinson, though he appeared to be heading over the by–line when the Bolton defender chopped him down, offering Tevez the chance to rifle home his 19th goal of the season from the penalty spot.