Bojinov happy to return

Man City striker Valeri Bojinov is hoping that he returns a better player after moving a step closer to making a full recovery from his knee injury suffered in August against Man Utd.

"I'm very happy because after five months out since my injury, my first game went well," Bojinov told the club's official website.

"I scored my first goal for Manchester City as well, which was very important for me.

"I only played 30 minutes, but I hope to play for maybe 45 in the next one, and then a full 90 minutes after that.

"The physios have made me work very hard for the last few months, but I thank them for helping me so much because I know how important it was to get me fit enough before I could play again like I did at Newcastle.

"This has been my first serious injury, but I knew soon after it happened that I could return and be a better player as well."