Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is excited about seeing his players against the UAE in Thursday's friendly.

There will be a late evening kick-off for the match on Thursday evening and Hughes is intrigued to see how his mix and match side will shape up against one of football's emerging nations.

"The UAE is in love with the 'beautiful game' and the City chief is quick to praise the progress that has been made. There is no reason why this match cannot be a permanent fixture, especially if this trip goes as well as we hope," he declared to City's website.

"We expect it to be beneficial to everybody concerned. As well as playing we will be out in the community meeting people. The Premier League is now a global attraction, watched by followers from more than 200 countries worldwide.

"We have experienced the effect the presence of Manchester City can bring in different countries. We visited South Africa in the summer for the Vodacom Challenge, and the reception we got there was phenomenal.

"I think our visit to Abu Dhabi can help us to harness the undoubted enthusiasm the people of Abu Dhabi have for our club and football in general."