Training Friday 16/4

[Douglas Higginbottom]

The day before the big one and with the sun beating down I wondered whether there would be anything different today or just a light session.The answer was a no and it was good to see Tevez our early even if he wasn't looking too energetic but then there was SWP bouncing out with Ade looking like a kid in the playground.None of the injuries out to start with but Micah did come out later for some 1 to 1 stuff.

Most of the early work was gentle keep ball circles and jogging on the far side before they all went on the pitch behind the fence for some time with Mancini and more of the formation and team movements.It really was warm out there but I was looked after by one of the physios with a Lucozade drink.I did cheekily shout for one but I think he took pity on me as I still had a coat on and he will have been worried for my health. Sod the rest of the watchers though:)

Two of the players though were still wearing hats! Carlos and RSC. Carlos actually finished training early today but there was nothing wrong.The only little scare was Shay injuring a finger but after a little tlc and a strapping he was fine and carried on. They then finished the session with a 9 a side game which Shay also took part in so no problems I am sure.

The game on a half pitch was played at a very good tempo.Not unusual at all from what I see but I think some of the other guys watching were a bit surprised and impressed especially considering tomorrow. A strong fast game but no silly tackles at all and efinitely a few occasions where a player chose not to go for a ball they normally would. A few excellent goals scored too with the first by AJ just after one fan said which one is AJ! True city fan with eyesight worse than mine :)

Another top finish by Stevie and then he set up an easy one for RSC and possibly the best of the lot from Ade where he skipped past a few on the left side and slotted a great finish past Gunnar. Remember the run down the left against Arsenal where they kept trying to chop him down before he squared it to SWP who missed.Like that but he finished himself.Even apart from that Ade was really up for it but I would say they all were. If not I wonder when they would be.

[Slim]

Is Micah close to coming back? And most importantly, was Bridge training with the full group?

[brite blu sky]

excellent Doug, great to hear some of the lads getting in the mood

[Douglas Higginbottom]

Is Micah close to coming back? And most importantly, was Bridge training with the full group?

Bridge has been with the full group for 10 days now and was again today. It was Micah's first day outside today I think so a couple of weeks away maybe. Yesterday Lescott was also outside working with a physio which is a good sign but easily 2 weeks more for him I am sure.

[Slim]

Cheers again doug.

[dick dastardley]

was bellers out there?? we defo need him to play tomoz

[Tokyo Blue]

Brilliant, Doug. Thanks as always!

[BmoreBlue]

Cheers Doug

[Douglas Higginbottom]

was bellers out there?? we defo need him to play tomoz

He certainly was and well shackled by Zaba in the game

[play like we dream]

was bellers out there?? we defo need him to play tomoz

He certainly was and well shackled by Zaba in the game

Practicing for Rooney watch? Or will that be VK's job? With luck NDJ will stop him even getting to the back four.

[Goataldo]

Cool, cool.

Sounds like a good session.

They'll be champing at the bit.

God I love derbies!

[play like we dream]

was bellers out there?? we defo need him to play tomoz

He certainly was and well shackled by Zaba in the game

Practicing for Rooney watch? Or will that be VK's job? With luck NDJ will stop him even getting to the back four.