Hart stars and AJ scores in England win

A big night for Manchester City players at Wembley. Joe Hart, James Milner and Gareth Barry all started, while Adam Johnson came on and scored a late goal.

Hart was the most impressive of the four. While England were much the better save, Hart had to make key reaction saves from Stanislav Angelov, Dimitar Rangelov and Glen Johnson to preserve his clean sheet. He also dominated his area and made no terrible mistakes, which might sound unremarkable but is in fact a novel approach for an England goalkeeper.

Milner and Barry were both strong and solid in midfield (Barry's perfectly judged cynical foul on the edge of our box, unpunished, was a beautiful example of his ability with the dark arts), but it was Johnson who scored. He came on for Theo Walcott, with twenty or so minutes left, playing from the right wing. And it was from one of those favoured positions of his that he scored, receiving the ball from Wayne Rooney, swerving inside and beating Nikolay Mihaylov - a little bit too easily - at his near post.

Valeri Bozhinov and Martin Petrov both started for Bulgaria, and I would certainly have applauded any achievements of theirs and written about how much they meant to me. But there was almost nothing to note there.

Boji goes

As City continue to spin the transfer wheel further and further, it is inevitable that some will be left behind. And so it is with Valeri Bozhinov, one of the dwindling number of remaining Eriksson purchases, who has signed a permanent deal at Parma.

Perhaps it is better this way. Bozhinov was a unique prospect, a £5.5million striker loved and rated by all City fans - despite scoring just one goal in three seasons at the club. This was a relationship dependant on promise, not product. Having spent so much time on the sidelines, his reputation grew, unchallenged by any exposure to experience. Like an anticipated messiah, or a government in exile, Bozhinov's absence grew his profile, people believed him capable of feats that would never be tested in reality.

He came from Fiorentina in August 2007. Sven was doing what his protégé Roberto Mancini did three years on: bringing exotic, promising players from across Europe to City, with no concern for the 'Premier League experience' Mark Hughes came to fetishise. His MCFC career began, like everyone else's, at the Boleyn Ground. He came on for Rolando Bianchi after 61 minutes, and impressed: pushy, fiesty and pigeon-chested, he swaggered about like someone playing in their schoolyard. Another substitute appearance followed before he was asked to start the Manchester derby. Just four minutes in, though, an awkward fall tore his knee ligaments and ended his season.

This led a pattern that would become repeat itself: the constant attention to updates from the club, the enthusiastic excitement for his return, the belief that he was a panacea, that everything would be fixed when he was back. But he didn't make it back that season. It was no surprise that Eriksson's successor, Mark Hughes, was a fan: Boji was a cocky, stocky striker with a short temper and an eye for the audacious - just as Sparky had been. A fit-again Bozhinov came on for Hughes' first competitive game at Eastlands, as City were beaten 1-0 by an excellent FC Midtjylland side. But he did enough to earn a start for the opening day of the 2008/09 Premier League campaign. It was Villa Park, 2.50pm, and the players were finishing their warm up in front of us. But Boji collapsed, screamed, and was carried off by a distraught Micah Richards. We lost the game 4-2 but the news that Boji had ruptured his achilles - an injury at least as bad as his ligament snap - was much more upsetting.

So the 2008/09 season resembled the one before. Waiting, hoping, and putting unrealistic expectations upon his return. This time he did manage to come back before the end of the season, on familiar territory in March 2009. He came on at the Boleyn Ground: the third launch of his MCFC career coming on the site of his first. We roared him on, even louder than we did two years before. Once fit, he managed a run in the side of sorts. He was nnot quite the player we hoped for, but he was never going to be. But when he volleyed home Benjani's flick-on at White Hart Lane, in our biannual frustrating loss to Spurs, it felt like the fulfilment of at least two years of hope and expectation.

It felt important that he score then, because the summer 2009 spending was inevitably profligate. The arrivals of Carlos Tévez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz meant that his chances were limited. His loan move to Parma that summer was predictable, as I suppose is its being made permanent. Whether he could have become a first-teamer without the ADUG money is unknowable but improbable. As much as we might want to mourn him as a victim of Sheikh Mansour that pity is better saved for others. What we can describe him as is a victim of misfortune, a talented player that we took to heart and for whom things might have turned out differently. Just 24, he still has years of football ahead of him.

We loved him and he never let us down.

Valeri Bozhinov MCFC 2007-09 3 starts, 1 goal.

Boji helps Inter towards Scudetto

After a mixed season on loan at Parma, Valeri Bozhinov made the headlines last night. His last minute goal determined Parma's 1-0 defeat of Milan, a result which allowed José Mourinho's Inter to extend their lead back to four points, as they beat Livorno 3-0. Here is Boji's goal:



Interestingly enough, Bozhinov chose to dedicate the goal to Mourinho himself, saying:

"I dedicate this goal to [Jose] Mourinho, because I like him as a coach," the 24-year-old told Sky. "Wherever he has gone, he has always won.

"I like Inter as a side, and I have a soft spot for them."

It sounds to me like someone's angling for a move. Fair enough, playing for Mourinho must be most players' dream. And it's not exactly clear yet where Boji will be playing in 2010/11. But just three months ago Mourinho went out and signed a fiery fiesty Balkan forward. And I'm afraid, Valeri, it wasn't you.

8 in 10

Rolando Bianchi continues to dominate Serie B: he scored a heroic late winner for Torino on Saturday, as they won 2-1 at Ascoli.

In Serie A, fellow Eriksson signing Valeri Bozhinov scored the only goal in Parma's 1-0 win over Siena.

Boji in Parma loan talks

Confirmed by the club today.

Like most City fans, I've been long hoping that Bozhinov will grow into a real star for us. But with three big money strikers coming in this summer, there was only ever going to be one outcome.

It's sad to see him go, but there will be tougher goodbyes ahead.

Caicedo move confirmed

On the official site.

It's testament to the relentless pace of our progress this summer that a player for whom we paid £5.3m last January, and who hit an impressive seven goals (plus the backheel at the Hawthornes) in the 'back nine' of last season can be so far from the reckoning this year.

Of course, it's possible that Caicedo will have a good season in Portugal and come back to City for 2010/11. But I'd bet strongly against it. The fact is that player recruitment has moved quicker than anyone would have expected this summer, and no-one's place is safe. Vassell's gone to Turkey, Jô's already returend to Everton, and now Evans is set to go to Sheffield United.

Popular as he is, I'd be surprised if Bozhinov survives the summer. And if Benjani's still here come September 1, something's gone quite wrong. Our stable of strikers for the 2010/11 season will almost certainly be: Carlos Tévez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy - none of whom were here even in 2008. Such is the pace of change.

Bulgarians to stay

Both of our Bulgarians' agents have confirmed today that their players are expecting to be at City next season.

First Franco Moretti, Martin Petrov's agent, said this:

Moretti told Sport: "I think he will be staying at City, he has a contract with them.

"I think he will stay at Eastlands for sure, because the coach (Mark Hughes) is staying there.

"He is a big fan, so he will definitely stay at City."

And Valeri Bozhinov's agent, Gerry Palomba, made similar comments:

"Anyway, Manchester City have assured me that he remains a key part of their squad.

"He has been very unfortunate with injury, but they intend to continue the working relationship and have no plans to part....

"He has said that in the future he would like the opportunity to play in Serie A again, but Manchester City still believe in him.

"I have spoken to Mark Hughes in person and, as the manager, he is the man appointed to decide who stays and who goes. For as long as he gives us the assurances we want to hear, why look for a different club?"

Petrov and Bozhinov are very popular players, but I'd be surprised if either of them are first choice next season. I don't see how Petrov gets in the team while Robinho's at the club, and I imagine Bozhinov will be behind whichever strikers we buy in the pecking order. So it's interesting to hear that Hughes wants to keep them both.

Bulgarians score in reserves win

Valeri Bozhinov scored twice and Martin Petrov got the other as City Reserves beat their Everton equivalents 3-1 on Tuesday evening. Reports here from the City and Everton websites:

But we only had to wait four more minutes for a deserved equaliser. Valeri Bojinov collected the ball around 30 yards out, and acting quickly he looped it over Nash to level the scores in fine style.

The 22-year-old was on target again in a less spectacular but equally effective style three minutes later, providing an assured finish to some slick interplay between the entire City front four.

Martin Petrov provided the coup-de-grace in magnificent style on 76 minutes. The flying winger sprinted down the left flank and collected a pass, chipped the ball up to himself fired a rocket past the helpless Nash. It was an almost unbelievable finish from a player whose season has been nearly ruined by injury, and showed he is fighting fit for the rest of the season.

Boji and Petrov play reserves tonight

MCFC.co.uk:

Martin Petrov starts, as does Valeri Bojinov, the Bulgarian pair still looking for some valuable game-time in a bid to give Mark Hughes a nudge ahead of Saturday's game against Blackburn. Michael Johnson does not play after making a comeback against Middlesbrough last week, and Mark Hughes says that the midfielder is still feeling the effects of his long lay-off with an abdominal problem.

"Michael did OK last week, but felt a little tightness and is going to get these little niggles because he has not played for so long. We're still hoping to step up his involvement, but he won't be playing in the reserves game tonight.

"Boji needs more work and will be involved tonight, and Martin is looking to up his fitness so will play as well. We'll try to get another hour into him, it's important that we get their fitness levels right for the weekend and have everyone raring to go."

Jonno and Boji to play reserves

Great news from the official site:

Michael Johnson makes his long-awaited comeback for the reserves team tonight away to Middlesbrough...

Johnno takes his place in a strong City line-up that features Joe Hart in goal, Valeri Bojinov up front with David Ball, and Kelvin Etuhu and Vladimir Weiss on the flanks.

Team: Hart, Logan, McGivern, Mee, Berti, Kay, Etuhu, Johnson, Ball, Bojinov, Weiss.

Check on MCFC.co.uk for news, as well as Gavin Cooper's invaluable Reserves & Academy blog

Boji on bench for Bulgaria

From Novinite:

The Bulgarian football coach, Stanimir Stoilov, has announced his starting 11 for Wednesday evening's World Cup qualifier against Cyprus in Sofia.

The lineup will be identical to the one that played in Ireland on Saturday with only one exception, Radostin Kishishev will take the place of defender Zhivko Milanov who was injured in the game.

Manchester City striker Valeri Bozhinov will also be available but will not start the game because he is not yet fully recovered from his injury.

UPDATE 18.13. Bulgaria won 2-0. Boji didn't get on. I don't know whether this is good or bad news.

Hughes talks up Micah and Boji

On Micah Richards:

Hughes said: "Micah got the headlines because of the goal, but I thought he played with real determination, getting forward and having a positive effect in the opposition half. He was tiring towards the end because of the amount of energy he has expended in two games during the week.

"Maybe in a few games this season he's lacked a bit of the confidence you would expect, but he's still a young man. We forget sometimes that he's only 20. He's had quite a number of games for somebody so young, but you will have fluctuations in form and that's what has happened to Micah this year.

And on Valeri Bozhinov:

"Valeri holds the ball up really well and as he gets stronger and into the swing of playing games he will get even better," said boss Mark Hughes.

"At times against Sunderland at the weekend he was so keen to get involved in things he was dropping too deep. I think his best position is right up against the centre halfs on the edge of the box where his ability on the ball and awareness of players around him will have real effect.

"There is no doubt that he is going to be a good option for us in the remaining games and for next season.

Return of the Boj

It's worth reflecting on the biggest aspect of the game today: Valeri Bozhinov's second ever competitive start for City, his first since August 2007, and comfortably the longest period of pitch time he has ever had in one competitive match for City. He had previously played 29 minutes at West Ham, 12 against Derby and 8 against United. This season he had 26 against Midtjylland, the game before his Villa Park breakdown. So today was a real watershed. It was also what we've spent the last nineteen months waiting for.

And apparently he played pretty well. I've only seen the MOTD highlights but he seemed to do a fantastic amount of work in deeper positions: he made the pass to Wright-Phillips from which McCartney was sent off, and the pass to Richards from which we won a penalty. Let's hope he comes through Bulgaria's two games this week unscathed: Ireland away next Saturday evening and then Cyprus at home on Wednesday week. And then let's see who Hughes picks at the Emirates.

Boj in Bulgaria squad

Obviously he does need game time, and Bulgaria do need to win at Croke Park (Saturday night) to keep their World Cup dream alive, but last time the Bulgarians rushed a semi-fit City player back from injury it didn't exactly end well.

I'll probably be watching (it's on Sky Sports 1), perfectly slotted between England v Slovakia and Spain v Turkey. Let's hope Dunney remembers not to clatter him.

Bozhinov scores for the reserves

He played 74 minutes for the reserves in their 5-1 defeat of Bolton reserves on Tuesday evening. Reports from MCFC, Bolton Wanderers and The Bolton News here.

If he wasn't sufficiently legendary before

Valeri Bozhinov's attempts to become the fans' favourite player before scoring his first competitive goal continue today, with these comments in the Sunday Mirror.

"We [Bozhinov and Berbatov] meet maybe once a week with Martin Petrov and go out for dinner. Dimitar is at the level I want to get to and I would like to think I will play against him when we go to Old Trafford later in the season.

"They are a great team, but I always remind him that we went there last year and won."

And...

"I believe in the next three or four years Manchester City will become one of the very best teams in the game.

"A lot has changed since I camehere - and I want to be a part of it. Success will come very quickly because we can attract big names.

Your move, Stephen Ireland.

Bozhinov speaks

I don't recall seeing him speaking English before, so this Setanta Sports News segment is nice. He also says we're better than Villa which, although demonstrably false, is good to hear.

Bozhinov's third debut

This was by far the most pleasing part of the game today. In fact, even had we scored an equaliser it probably still would have been. Six and a half months after rupturing his Achilles, Valeri Bozhinov returned to first team action. He only played five minutes or so - and didn't look great. But the reception he received on coming on was genuinely heart warming.

It was the Boleyn Ground, after all, where Bozhinov made his first debut in August 2007. After a knee ligament injury and return last summer, he ruptured his Achilles at Villa Park in August 2008. So how fitting it was that he should make his return on the ground where his whole MCFC adventure started.

We spent most of last season waiting for his recovery, putting pretty silly levels of expectation upon him. Ultimately, we were denied the return we so hoped for (until the ludicrous and corrupting Far East tour in May) and the season descended into failure. This year we're luckier - the August injury has, we hope, been sufficiently healed for him to play a relatively significant role in the season's end. He didn't make it back in time to save Eriksson. Can he save Hughes?

Bozhinov back in training

Having not signed Roque Santa Cruz this is very important news. I'm not expecting great things (to be honest I actually am, as are all City fans), but it would be fantastic just to have him for the run-in. As far as I'm aware he's no longer in the UEFA Cup squad (but Jô still is, wtf?!), so we may have to wait until next month to see him.

How perfect would it be if he made his third debut at the Boleyn Ground (Sunday 1st March), on the pitch on which he made his first one?

Bozhinov close to reserve action

While Michael Johnson's progress continues to falter, Valeri Bozhinov seems to be making definite strides towards fitness. Said Hughes yesterday:

"Valeri Bojinov is very close to getting games at reserve team level, so we hope he’ll be back soon.

Boj has been joining in and doing warm-ups before joining in bigger area work, so we hope he joins in a game this week."

Of course we shouldn't be too hopeful too soon. Last season he was meant to be back for Christmas, then January, then February and so forth. He didn't pull on the shirt until the bizarre Far East tour in May.

This is how excited I about Bozhinov last August. We're not at that point yet, but clearly getting closer. This is good news.