Milner backs Tevez to lift City

James Milner feels Carlos Tevez can become a key figure as Manchester City aim to pip rivals Manchester United to the Premier League title.

The Argentine has returned to first-team training with the club and could make his comeback in Wednesday’s match against Chelsea following a seven-month absence.

Milner has praised manager Roberto Mancini’s decision in bringing back the 28-year-old following his refusal to come off the bench in a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich last September.

“The manager is a winner. He wants to win the league. So I’m sure that if he feels Carlos Tevez can help him win football matches then he’ll pick him,” Milner told the Sunday Mirror.

“We’ve got to draw a line under what happened. Once the manager brought Carlos back into the squad there was never going to be a problem as far as the other players were concerned.”

“We still see him as one of us. Having him back is like getting a new signing and he can still have a big impact on what happens this season.”

“He is good enough to make a big difference to any team in the world. You want those players with you rather than against you. We are in a position where every little thing can make a big difference.”

“And I am sure United won’t enjoy seeing Carlos back in a City shirt because we are better with him than without him. The manager is looking for an edge and he knows Carlos Tevez can give it to him.”

“We have missed Carlos. We missed him even when we were at the top of the league and playing well, because he is one of the best strikers in the world.”

“We’ve got some fantastic forwards – Aguero, Balotelli and Dzeko – but you can never have enough match-winners in your squad. That’s exactly what Carlos is. The players are excited to have him back.”