Manchester City-Hull City Preview

Feb 4, 2010 - 5:43 PM CHRIS TUPLING STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Patrick Vieira makes his long-awaited Manchester City debut at Hull on Saturday after insisting he can still be a force in the Premier League.

Former Arsenal star Vieira, 33, has been sidelined by an ankle injury since following former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini to Eastlands at the start of last month.

Vieira has hit back at critics who claim the former France star is not fit enough to recreate his glory days with the Gunners.

Former Premier League and World Cup winner Vieira said: "It has been a frustrating time with the injury but thankfully that is over and I am ready to start.

"I suffered the injury in my last game for Inter and did not realise it was that bad. I look forward to getting a run of games in the Premier League.

"When I was in Italy I watched the games on TV and I think it is one of the best leagues in the world.

"I have missed it while I have been away but I believe I can still make an impact at this level.

"I have found a team that matches my expectations. I think the future for the club is fantastic. There are a lot of winners and great players in our dressing room.

"Hopefully we can achieve what we want and finish in the top four. We are getting closer to Manchester United, the gap is definitely narrowing."

England defender Wayne Bridge is also set to make his injury comeback, putting to one side the media frenzy caused by John Terry's affair with ex-girlfriend Vanesssa Perroncel.

Hull captain George Boateng has backed rookie Tigers midfielder Tom Cairney to force his way into England's World Cup plans.

Teenager Cairney, 19, earned rave reviews for his impressive display in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at home to league leaders Chelsea.

Veteran Dutch international Boateng said: "Tom is my boy \2013 I like him a lot.

"What pleases me is that when I give him the ball, I can trust him with it. In the middle of the park there is nothing more valuable than that.

"Tom is a player who is going to get a lot of publicity in the next few weeks from the press and from our fans.

"I hope he stays grounded because he's a tremendous talent and if he works on his game, he'll be an England international \2013 he's that good.

"It's a big statement but I said this with Stewart Downing when he was 17 at Middlesbrough.

"Stewart made it because he's a down to earth guy and worked hard on his fitness. Tom, with a bit of belief, can do because he's that good.

"I'm pleased for him but I just hope people will not spoil it and write too much stuff where his head will become too big for him because he's a tremendous talent."

Hull will again be without influential midfielder Jimmy Bullard, who remains sidelined by a knee injury.