Dunne To Miss UEFA Cup Clash

Last updated : 17 December 2008 By Sam
The City skipper's wife has given birth to a bay boy this morning 9Wednesday) and he has been given compassionate leave for the final group game in Santander on Thursday.

"Richard's wife has had a baby, and we send our congratulations to them," manager Mark Hughes has said.

"I think they thought the baby would have come along a bit sooner, but it's important that he's with his wife and family now.

"We're going to pick a team to win the game, but given that we have already qualified it is important that we take into account the period that we are going into.

"It's a big demand of players, a lot of our shining lights have played virtually all the games this season, so this could be a chance to give a few of them a bit of a rest and respite, then they are fit and well for the weekend."