Roberto Mancini insists the FA Cup third round is the priority for his Manchester City Football Club players at the moment, despite being 180 minutes away from a Carling Cup final.

The Premier League side head to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup this weekend, and take on neighbours and rivals United in the Carling Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Whilst the fans attention is likely to be on that double-header against the Reds, Mancini insists he and his players are fully focused on their trip to the Riverside Stadium.

"I have told the players they should not be thinking about the semi-final," he said. "We must have full attention on the FA Cup. We can prepare for the next game as soon as the final whistle goes.

"I will not be thinking about the match against United next week just what is best for the team and the players. I will play the strongest team I can at Middlesbrough.”

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