Shaun Wright-Phillips will be available for Manchester City in the February 7 2009 clash against Middlesbrough. He has successfully contested a charge of violent conduct after City's 1-0 defeat from Stoke last weekend. Add to that Irish goalkeeper Shay Given, who is going to make his City debut against Boro, and the supporters at Eastlands are definitely up for a treat.

The Irish international arrived on Sunday and, according to the club's website, has settled in well and was really impressed by his new teammates on the training ground. However, he wants his debut to be about the match against Boro and not about him wearing the shirt of City.

"Saturday won’t be about me, it’s about getting three points and climbing up the league. It won’t be easy because Middlesbrough are fighting for their lives, but training this week has been fantastic. The step up in level from what I was used to in terms of players has been amazing; there are some exciting players out on the training pitch and I am looking forward to playing alongside them in the team."

The 32-year-old has also reflected on his move to City and what could lie in store for him.

"It’s a new chapter in my life here at City, I am very excited about it and looking forward to the challenge. I went to Newcastle to win something, but that did not materialise, and I think that I am joining a club that has a real opportunity to try to pick up some silverware."

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough have been boosted for the trip to Manchester by the return to the ranks of midfielders Didier Digard and Gary O'Neil, as they were both serving suspensions.

However, defender Andrew Taylor and striker Jérémie Aliadière, both of who are suffering from sustained ankle injuries, are still on the long-term Boro casualty list.

Regarding the match on Saturday, Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has called for unity and was quoted as saying by the club's website that "as a team, we have to have undying passion and give everything for the shirt. There were possibly a couple last Saturday when I look back on it who we didn't have quite enough from. We've got to leave every weekend knowing that there are no question marks. That's the way I want my team to play and that's what the supporters deserve."

Man City (available): Given, Hart, Schmeichel, Richards, Onuoha, Kompany, Bridge, Garrido, Zabaleta, Elano, De Jong, Caicedo, Ireland, Fernandes, Wright-Phillips, Robinho, Bellamy, Vassell, Weiss.

Middlesbrough (available): Jones, Turnbull, McMahon, Hoyte, Huth, Pogatetz, Riggott, Wheater, Bennett, Digard, O'Neil, Bates, Shawky, Tuncay, Downing, Arca, A Johnson, Porritt, King, Alves, Emnes.