Eastlands Globetrotters Don Their Caps

A sizeable number of Sparky's re-energised 24 man senior squad are away on international duty. Another new aspect of the modern City era we have to get our heads around...!

Not so long ago international breaks were greeted with shoulder shrugging frustration when we were on a roll or blessed relief from torture across Planet Blue. But more often than not these days they generate interest we haven't seen in decades, particularly where England are concerned.

More than anything else, much as it is brilliant to see Manchester City's name repeated across international squad lists the concern that all the players return back to SportCity injury free will be uppermost in most Blues' minds, moreso as a number of the fixtures are important.

Anoraked City supporting plane spotters at Ringway will have an added incentive this next week or so in watching out for:

Martin Petrov. Rigsby, who has riled many of us with his agent's moaning this past week could well decide to wear a false beard as he returns from:

5th Sept: Bulgaria v Montenegro - WCQ
9th Sept: Italy v Bulgaria - WCQ

Craig Bellamy. The young Wales side are essentially knackered for qualification but Russia will be a good run out for City's competitive forward.

9th Sept: Wales v Russia - WCQ

Shay Given. City's inspirational goalie has a tough mission to the med. Wonder if VMC Supremo Tudor will be dropping by from his Crete retreat?

5th Sept: Cyprus v Eire - WCQ
9th Sept: Eire v South Africa - F

Robinho. Private jets and big headphones to the fore as City's quicksilver superstar heads home. The game with Tev's Argies is a little too close to our important league clash with The Gooners for many Blues liking.

6th Sept: Brazil v Argentina - WCQ
10th Sept: Brazil v Chile - WCQ

Carlos Tevez. Head to head with Robbie and certain to be weary for the Arsenal game.

6th Sept: Argentina v Brazil - WCQ
10th Sept: Paraguay v Argentina - WCQ

Kolo Toure. City's new captain heads home for an important qualifier.

5th Sept: Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso - WCQ

Nigel de Jong: Qualification assured for the Orange but Scotland are sure to be snapping away at a few ankles.

5th Sept: Holland v Japan - F
9th Sept: Scotland v Holland - WCQ

Vladimir Weiss: The brilliant young City winger's stock can only rise with challenges like these.

5th Sept: Slovakia v Czech Republic -WCQ
9th Sept: N Ireland v Slovakia - WCQ

Shaun Wright-Phillips (Now City's senior player), Gareth Barry, Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott:

City's Four Lions will be driving down to London in a shared minibus. Hired from Avis.

5th Sept: England v Slovenia - F
9th Sept: England v Croatia - WCQ

- F Friendly
- WCQ World Cup Qualifier

Good luck and all power to the Eastlands Globetrotters!

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