Manchester City v Birmingham - Sylvinho struggling for City

Posted Sunday, April 11, 2010 by PA

Manchester City full-back Sylvinho is struggling to make the Barclays Premier League match against Birmingham on Sunday.

The Brazilian suffered a calf injury in the 6-1 victory against Burnley at the weekend. Micah Richards is also doubtful with a knee problem.

Pablo Zabaleta remains sidelined through suspension while Stephen Ireland has an ankle injury and misses out.

Joe Hart deserves a place in England's World Cup squad, according to City goalkeeper Shay Given.

When Given arrived from Newcastle, Hart was loaned to Birmingham, where he has blossomed.

However, the 22-year-old will sit out the game at Eastlands on Sunday as it is against his parent club.

City number one Given, though, has monitored Hart's progress with interest.

"Joe has done really well and deserves to be playing for England," he told the club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk.

"If he keeps his form there's no reason he shouldn't play in the World Cup. That can only be good for City."

Manager Roberto Mancini plans to hold talks with Hart at the end of the season - and Given insists he has no problems scrapping for the starting spot.

"I wouldn't mind if Joe returns in the summer," he said.

"I don't mind fighting it out - that happened for years at Newcastle, and I've had to fight for my place with Ireland.

"That is part and parcel of being with a top team - and I don't have any problem with that.

"Joe was the number one here when I signed and we worked really well together.

"The competition has been there since I joined.

"Just because Joe is at Birmingham doesn't mean I don't feel the competition from him. He is still a City player and is doing very well.

"There is pressure here not just from Joe, but from Stuart Taylor and Gunnar Nielsen as well.

"You know if you don't perform there is always a chance the club could bring someone else in.

"If you want a successful team, there has to be competition in every position."

City are aiming to finish fourth and claim a coveted Champions League slot and go into the match on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of Burnley.

Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor will make only his second Premier League appearance of the season.

Northern Ireland international Taylor steps into the side to replace Hart.

The change in goal is set to be the only one that manger Alex McLeish makes to the side that started last weekend's 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

James McFadden will again continue up front alongside Cameron Jerome with Christian Benitez on the bench.

McLeish is confident Birmingham are in safe hands with Taylor between the posts.

The Blues boss said: "Maik is still a good pro. He does everything right and is still sharp.

"He is a quality goalkeeper and Northern Ireland will use him again next season and he has been very good for Joe Hart.

"I think in the beginning Maik might have seen it as a wee battle with a rookie goalkeeper with limited Premiership experience.

"But Maik is man enough and professional enough and intelligent enough to see Joe was making the position his own.

"As far as I am concerned, Joe is a cert to go to South Africa with England this summer.

"Whether he features or not we will have to see. But it will be a great experience for him.

"I remember going to the World Cup myself in the heady days when Scotland qualified.

"You get great experience and education from these tournaments."

For his part, Taylor is looking forward to getting back into action even though it is likely to only be for 90 minutes as he is set to be back on the bench against Hull next weekend.

Taylor said: "I have played in the last three reserves games and it is nice to get a run out.

"You can train hard all week long but there is nothing like match practise.

"For decision making, and things like that, it is important that you get these games under your belt.

"I know that however I play, Joe will be back in next week and he deserves to be as he has had a fantastic season.

"It is just something you have to take on the chin."