Vassell eyes European spot

Forward boosted by win against United

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th February 2008

Football Manchester United Manchester City Darius Vassell

Vassell: Looking to climb table

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Darius Vassell remains confident that Manchester City can qualify for Europe.

City had begun to slip out of contention for the fourth UEFA Champions League spot until they shocked Manchester United 2-1 in their last match.

Vassell, who scored the opener at Old Trafford, hopes the result can provide the springboard for City to climb back up the table.

"It was exactly what we needed," Vassell told the club's official website.

"We thought that we would let ourselves and the fans down a little bit after a few of our recent results.

"From the players' points of view we wanted to give the fans something and you can't do much more than beat Man United at Old Trafford for City fans.

"It was a big ask because it hadn't happened in 30-odd years but we knew that would make them proud of us.

"To come away with the two results this season, still pushing for a European place, it's a great position for us to be in and hopefully we can do it."

Great acquisition

Benjani Mwaruwari lined up as a lone front man against United as he made his debut, and he capped a fine performance with City's second goal.

Vassell praised: "Up front on your own against Man United away - it doesn't get much tougher.

"But he's a great player and he'll be a great acquisition for the team and hopefully he'll score loads of goals for us.

"It was a great boost, sometimes you need that as a team, getting new players in."