Sunderland fullback Phil Bardsley admits it took some time to get used to seeing Mark Hughes as Manchester City manager.

Bardsley, a former Manchester United trainee, grew up idolising Hughes and said: "It seemed strange at first, I have to admit.

"Everyone knows he was a great player for United - a real hero at the club when I was growing up.

"Yet he was offered the job at City and I don't think he could have turned it down, really.

"He's done a fantastic job as a manger with Wales and Blackburn, and I'm sure he'll do the same at City, given time."