Keegan hails his City slickers

Kevin Keegan believes he has assembled the kind of Manchester City squad which can give the top teams a scare - at home and abroad.

Kevin Keegan believes he has assembled the kind of Manchester City squad which can give the top teams a scare - at home and abroad.

City continue their UEFA Cup adventure tonight when they entertain Groclin in a second-round, first-leg tie at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Even though the Polish side disposed of Hertha Berlin last time around, Keegan knows his team have a great chance of progressing.

He admits he brought in the likes of David Seaman, Steve McManaman, Trevor Sinclair, Michael Tarnat and Paul Bosvelt with the UEFA Cup in mind.

Keegan said: "Because we got into Europe I went out and bought a lot of experienced players.

"We have got players to do us proud in the Premiership and hopefully take us up a notch or two, and who won't be fazed in Europe either.

"We have competition for places all over the pitch and that is what every manager wants."

Despite last weekend's victory at Southampton, Keegan has endured a tough few days.

Some of the squad attended an Essex nightclub following the Carling Cup victory against QPR at Loftus Road last week.

Striker Robbie Fowler was pictured smoking and clutching a couple of bottles of beer in a Sunday newspaper, prompting adverse publicity for the player, the club and the game in general.

But wing-back Shaun Wright-Phillips, who is set to return against Groclin, insists the dressing-room bond remains intact.

He said: "The players are as confident as ever. What's done is done.

"We are concentrating on football. We have always been together and will show that to everyone."

With Nicolas Anelka fit again after a calf strain, the Frenchman looks set to partner Fowler with Paulo Wanchope dropping to the bench.

Central defender Richard Dunne will remain in the side at the expense of David Sommeil. Dunne has played in the last two games and City have kept clean sheets in them.