Mancini praises England hope Bridge after Stoke draw

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini praised the performance of Wayne Bridge after the full back impressed in his team’s 1-1 FA Cup draw with Stoke in front of England coach Fabio Capello.

Bridge has been at the centre of media attention after allegations that his former partner had an affair with John Terry.

But an injury to Ashley Cole, who could miss the World Cup after suffering a fractured ankle, means that Bridge is likely to be Capello’s first choice if he puts himself forward for selection.

Bridge has only recently returned from his own ankle problem but Mancini has been impressed with his displays.

He said: “Wayne played very well. I think that Wayne is always improving. He played very well and he needs to train and play and he will improve.

“I think that Bridge is a good player and can play in the national team but it’s important that he’s always improving.

“He’s an English player and the national team is important for him.

“I think that for Wayne the national team is important, that’s my opinion.” Mancini was frustrated to have to go to the Britannia Stadium for a replay on Wednesday February 24 but he insists that his team will be able to re-group for Tuesday’s trip to Stoke in the Premier League.

He added: “I’m not disappointed, I’m sorry for the players because we played very well.

“But I think that Tuesday will be a different game, a difficult game, sure, but we must play and win if we want to go up in the table and the next round of the FA Cup.”

Wright-Phillips scored City’s goal before Ricardo Fuller equalised and Mancini feels that the winger has improved in recent weeks and will be a regular if he can consistently produce that level of performance.

He said: “When I arrived Shaun had an injury problem for 10 days after playing two games or three games but if he plays like he did against Stoke, he can play always and often.”

Carlos Tevez missed the FA Cup fifth round game after returning to Argentina for the birth of his child.

Mancini confirmed that the striker will not be available to face Stoke on Tuesday but hopes to have Craig Bellamy available again.

He added: “I hope that Carlos can come back in three days. I don’t think he can play Tuesday. I hope we can have Craig back but it’s difficult.”

Tony Pulis lost Matthew Etherington, Liam Lawrence and Andy Wilkinson to injury and admits they are all doubtful for Tuesday.

Etherington has gone for scans on a knee problem, Lawrence suffered a gash on his knee and Wilkinson turned an ankle.

But Pulis is delighted with the spirit of his players as they continue to defy the odds in the Premier League.

He said: “The players work hard all the time. Every time we turn up, we try to give it our best.

“We haven’t got the talent and the depth that Manchester City have got but that effort and commitment will take you a long way.”

Pulis was also quick to defend his team’s approach after their goal was set up by a trademark Rory Delap long throw.

He added: “I thought we created other chances and other opportunities. People just talk about Rory’s throw and every time I turn the telly on now, someone’s throwing it long.

“You’ve got Bale throwing it long for Tottenham and I watched Southampton v Portsmouth and a lad was picking it up for Southampton and throwing it in the box.

“People do it and we just might do it better than others.”