Toure relishing Tevez return

Tevez is being considered for a possible first-team comeback in next Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium. The Argentinian has not played for City since September but has been back in training for the past month following the closure of his infamous dispute with the club.

Toure said: "He is a great player and I can't wait to see him play in this team. He's a fighter, he is a strong character and his quality is fantastic. For me, I can't wait."

The return of Tevez could give City's Barclays Premier League title bid a lift after they were knocked off the top of the table following defeat at Swansea last weekend.

City now trail Manchester United by a point with 10 games remaining and Tevez's availability gives them the extra option of their top scorer for the past two seasons in the run-in.

The Premier League is now City's sole focus after they were eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday night.

Roberto Mancini's men produced a stirring late fightback against Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their last-16 tie but their 3-2 home win meant only a 3-3 aggregate draw and elimination on away goals.

Toure, speaking to broadcast media after the match, said: "In the first half it wasn't Man City. We didn't run, it was as simple as that, and when you don't run you can't win anything.

"The second half was much better and we need to play like that in every game, for the whole game.

"We don't want to lose the Premier League. It's going to be fantastic. This team will fight with all our power and give all we have."

Source: PA

Source: PA