MIDDLESBRO v MAN CITY

City reject Negredo aiming for revenge

ALVARO NEGREDO is ready to come back to haunt Manchester City and dent the Blues’ hopes of a top-four finish.

That is the warning from Middlesbrough caretaker boss Steve Agnew, who is today desperate for back-toback Riverside victories after Wednesday’s 1-0 win over derby rivals Sunderland.

Former City striker Negredo (above), on a season’s loan from Valencia, is relegationthreatened Boro’s leading scorer with nine goals.

And Agnew insists City’s visit can bring the best out of the 31-year- old Spaniard. He said: “Yeah, of course, they’re one of his former clubs.

“Alvaro has been terrific this season and he’s a top player.

“He’s the top scorer for us this season and he continues to work hard.

“Alvaro’s terrific on the training ground, the top senior professional in the dressing room and he brings all his qualities.

“He’s the one player that City’s defenders will think is capable of scoring if he’s given time and the ball drops in and around the penalty area.

“He’s not mentioned that we’re playing City – but I’m sure he will.’’

Pep Guardiola has fallen short of expectations in the title race in his first season as City boss, but Agnew said: “I think the top four, five or six teams are unbelievable and I think they’ll continue to fight for those top places for many, many years.

”Man City will be up there fighting with the rest for honours, I’m certain of that.’’

Agnew believes Boro can take inspiration from his former club Sunderland’s relegation escapes in the previous four seasons.

He said: “I think we have to, it is possible.

“I remember Sunderland drawing at Arsenal to stay up a couple of seasons ago.’’