Hughes: ‘Imbula In The Frame’

City boss says midfield ace could return this weekend…MARK HUGHES has revealed that he would have absolutely no qualms about handing Giannelli Imbula a return to the starting line-up this weekend.

Joe Allen’s suspension will pave the way for a fellow midfielder to return to the side at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

And whilst Club record signing Imbula has been forced to bide his time after being dropped from the 11 in September, Hughes says his attitude and application in training has been ‘hugely impressive’.

“When he went out of the team we had an honest conversation about things he needs to improve on if he wants to be successful in this league,” he said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

“Giannelli was honest enough to say that given his ability he hasn’t been able to impact games in the manner he would want.

“We have had a good response from taking him out of the side and it could be that we bring him back this weekend given the circumstances – I certainly wouldn’t have any qualms with that.

“He has been ready to come back for a number of weeks but given the way we have performed it has been difficult for him to come back.”

“He was very good last year but hasn’t been able to hit those levels this season, and he acknowledges that himself.”

He added: “We are patient with him, we want him here for a long time and we have to support him, which we have done.”
Source: stokecityfc.com