Hughes sets SWP England target

City boss backs new signing to become international regular

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 29th August 2008

Shaun Wright Phillips Mark Hughes

Wright-Phillips: Sealed City return

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Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has told new signing Shaun Wright-Phillips he can help him become an England regular.

The diminutive winger was unveiled on Friday after returning to City on a four-year deal, bringing an end to a frustrating three-year spell at Chelsea.

Wright-Phillips struggled to hold down a first-team spot at Stamford Bridge, which cost him a place in England's 2006 World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old has since returned to the international fold but Hughes believes he can go on to establish himself in the England side.

Wright-Phillips was handed his international debut on the back of a sparkling run of form for City and Hughes is confident he can hit those heights once more given regular first-team football.

"I've no doubt that Shaun will be successful here," he said. "He's coming back a better player.

Wiser

"He's older, he's wiser, he's played top-level games and that experience is what we need.

"What he's got now is the opportunity to play week-in, week-out, which wasn't afforded him at his previous club.

"Shaun is one of those players that will benefit from that, having that drive and adrenalin rush leading into games which he maybe wasn't able to generate before because he never knew if he was playing or not.

"That'll be a positive for him and I think England will benefit too because that's our aim - we want him to be playing international football on a regular basis."

Hughes revealed the capture of Wright-Phillips was central to his rebuilding plans after taking charge this summer and he hopes to make more signings before the transfer deadline.

"I made it clear to Shaun that he was key to what we're trying to do here," he said. "We need to attract top-quality players and that's certainly what Shaun is.

"It's really important that we have the ability to bring the players of Shaun's quality and we'll continue to that end.

"We're pursuing other targets which will complement the good players I already have here, but the key was to get Shaun through the door and back where he belongs.

"It's a huge project we're trying to get off the floor and the need to get good-quality players is obvious because we want to move forward and get to a higher level, and we hope this is the start of a great journey."

No regrets

Although he was a bit-part player at Stamford Bridge, Wright-Phillips did fulfil his dream of winning trophies with Chelsea, and insists he has no regrets.

"I can't say I ever felt I was truly not wanted," he said. "I had limited chances but whenever I got a chance I did the best I could.

"I take nothing away from the club, it's a fantastic club and the fans were incredible too.

"I don't feel I have to prove myself. I'm just going to come back here and give 110%. I'm glad to be given the opportunity to help Manchester City move forward."