Tevez sets sights high

MANCHESTER City captain Carlos Tevez believes he can break through the 30–goal barrier for his club this season.

Tevez is keen to get off the mark tonight when City face Timisoara in the Europa League play–off first leg match in Romania.

He failed to find the net against Tottenham on Saturday, in a game which ended in a 0–0 draw, after scoring 29 goals in all competitions for City last season.

Tevez said: “As a striker every year you set targets. I hope I can score more goals this season.”

Goalkeeper Joe Hart will retain his place ahead of Shay Given, but City will be without summer signings Aleksander Kolarov and Jerome Boateng.

Former Lazio left–back Kolarov damaged ankle ligaments at White Hart Lane and could be out for a month to six weeks. Boateng, who arrived from Hamburg, is likely to be out of action for a fortnight after the defender suffered a deep cut on the inside of his knee.

Timisoara’s top players from last season have a special incentive to reach the group stages — they are on a bonus of 100,000 Euros each.

Coach Vladimir Petrovic said: “When big teams play against smaller teams they need to show just as much concentration in that game. Manchester City better not under–estimate us.”