Vieira eager for Stoke test

Manchester City’s veteran French midfielder Patrick Vieira has said he is looking forward to the physical challenge of playing Stoke City when the Premier League clubs meet again on Tuesday.

Saturday saw the sides draw an FA Cup tie 1-1 and Vieira is anticipating another tough battle when his team travel to the Britannia Stadium.

The former Arsenal star spent the past four-and-a-half seasons in Italian football before returning to England during the January transfer window.

Some foreign players have in the past taken time to adjust to the more physical approach common in England but Vieira believes his experiences of playing against Bolton Wanderers will stand him in good stead against Stoke.

“There are no teams like that in Italy but I had a few tough moments against Bolton, so I knew what it was going to be like,” said the former France captain, who was a member of the French teams that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles.

“The physical aspect of England is different but don’t forget I was at Arsenal for nine years,” added the 33-year-old, who hopes to make his fourth World Cup finals this year in South Africa.

“A lot of my game is based on the physical aspect. I enjoy it. In Italy it was different. That is why I am so pleased to come back.”

And he insisted he had no complaints about Stoke’s style of play after Manchester City became the latest team to concede a goal from a Rory Delap long throw last weekend.

“All credit to them,” Vieira said. “Stoke don’t make it easy for any team.

“They battle for the full 90 minutes every time they play and it is really difficult to defend their set-pieces.

“In fact, if you are talking purely about that aspect of the game I would say they have a good chance to reach the Champions League final.

“And when you look at the goal they scored on Saturday, what can you do apart from congratulate them.”

Vieira added it was important City, 14 points above Stoke in the table in fifth place, played to their strengths on Tuesday.

“Stoke like to play long ball so when we get it we need to keep it on the floor and move it really quickly,” he said.

“That is the best way to beat this team. You have to play one-twos.

“If we try to play long balls like they do it will be tough and difficult for us.”