Hughes could turn to Bojinov

City boss may thrust Bulgarian back into the limelight

Last updated: 3rd March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hughes could turn to Bojinov

Bojinov: Back in the frame

We are delighted that he is back but we can't place too much pressure on him.

Hughes on Bojinov
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Mark Hughes could turn to injury-prone striker Valeri Bojinov to spearhead Manchester City's attack in their crucial Premier League clash against Aston Villa.

The Eastlands side are having a striker crisis with the likes of Craig Bellamy and Robinho joining youngster Daniel Sturridge on the sidelines.

Hughes has Darius Vassell and Felipe Caicedo available against Villa, although neither has greatly impressed this season, so Bojinov could be involved.

The City boss admits Bojinov is still something of an unknown quantity despite signing for the club in 2007 after suffering two long-term injuries during his time in England.

Hughes believes the 23-year-old, who was a late substitute against West Ham on Sunday, possesses immense potential, although he is coy on what role he could employ between now and the summer.

Unknown quantity

"At the moment Valeri is still an unknown quantity for everybody," said Hughes. "Unfortunately his career has hit the buffers because of injuries.

"He was an outstanding teenager and people paid a lot of money for him because they recognised the ability he had. We are delighted that he is back but we can't place too much pressure on him.

"We don't know if he can play his natural game in the Premier League because he has never completed a game here. Now it is just whether he can come back and make a real impression for us.

"Providing he stays clear of the injuries that have compromised him so much, Valeri has a real opportunity to establish himself as a top Premier League player."