Success is no Given thing for City

MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini is determined his team match his own high standards – or else.

Goalkeeper Shay Given revealed that the Italian boss lost his cool in the dressing room at half–time during City’s comfortable 3–0 victory over Austrian champions Salzburg in the Europa League on Wednesday.

City started the match with a flourish, but were only one goal ahead at the break thanks to a volley from Mario Balotelli.

The former Inter Milan striker extended their lead in the second half before Adam Johnson sealed the win.

Given said: "The manager was really upset at half–time – he felt we could have done better.”

It was only Given’s third game of the season after he lost his place to Joe Hart and he savoured the fact the supporters sang his name.

He said: "It was good to pull the shirt back on and play. Joe is having a great season and so you have to bide your time."

Hart is likely to be back in goal for City tomorrow when they entertain Bolton in the Premier League.

This is a potential banana skin for fourth-placed City, who are well aware that Bolton have been enjoying plenty of success of their own in recent weeks.