Mark Hughes insists Martin Petrov has a future at Manchester City Football Club.

The Bulgarian international has only recently recovered from a long-term knee injury, and he has found his rout back into the starting eleven a difficult one.

Tottenham Hotspur are known admirers of Petrov, but Eastlands boss Hughes insists the former Atletico Madrid star still has a role to play for his side.

"Martin is a big part of what we are trying to do," he said. "He has not been a negative influence in any way and I know if I pick him he will make a positive contribution.

"Martin is not starting games because I am playing a different formation that lends itself to Craig Bellamy playing on the left and he has been absolutely outstanding.

"That has made it difficult for Martin to get back into the team. He understands that. But he also knows I will use different personnel against certain opposition.”

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