City’s focus back on Champions League quest

The City kit boss and former Latics star writes every week for Chron Sport
AS the dust starts to settle on Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final victory over United, we must now focus on the trip to Blackburn Rovers on Monday in the Barclays Premier League.

Make no mistake, the game at Ewood Park is as important as any we have played this season if we are serious about securing Champions League qualification.

We have a much better goal difference than Tottenham, who are our main challengers for fourth place in the table, and we have three more points than Harry Redknapp’s side.

So as long as we keep winning, there will always be that buffer between us.

Obviously Blackburn will be fighting for their lives in a bid to avoid relegation, but these are the kind of matches from which we must take maximum points.

It is a big opportunity because they are struggling at the moment and probably lacking confidence — hopefully we can capitalise on this.

I was shocked when Blackburn’s new owners sacked Sam Allardyce earlier in the season.

He is a very competent boss and a brilliant man-manager, who is keen on sports psychology and never afraid to try new things.

Sam learned a lot from former Preston North End manager John McGrath — I could see hallmarks of John in Sam’s methods. Plenty of others have influenced him along the way as well.


I WAS delighted to see the inclusion of Vincent Kompany and Carlos Tevez in the PFA team of the year.
When you receive an accolade voted by your fellow professionals, it is always extra special.

Both players have been magnificent for us this season and thoroughly deserve the recognition.

It was no surprise that Spurs winger Gareth Bale won player of the season and Jack Wilshire, of Arsenal, was named young player of the season.

Bale came from nowhere to produce some remarkable performances at home and in Europe.

Wilshire is a classy player with a bright future ahead of him, which also bodes well for England. He is not short of confidence and can put his foot on the ball.

I do think his club are out of the title race, though, following their 1-1 home draw with Liverpool.