Patrick Vieira could have made the difference in last week's Carling Cup Manchester derby.

That is the view of Blues boss Roberto Mancini, who admits he has been frustrated at seeing the former Arsenal ace on the sidelines since signing for City.

Vieira is now back in training and will be assessed today before Mancini decides whether to hand him a debut at Hull, at home to Bolton on Tuesday, or even in the FA Cup fifth round clash with Stoke next week.

But Mancini wishes he had the Frenchman's vast experience to call on in the two-legged semi-final against United.

"If we had had Patrick at Everton or against United we would have stood a better chance," said Mancini, who also welcomes back Wayne Bridge and is prepared to risk Joleon Lescott on the bench.

"Patrick has trained with us for the last three days, and trained well. He has no problem with his calf, and if he has no reaction today, he will probably go with us to Hull."

And the Blues boss still feels his free acquisition from Inter Milan could have a big bearing on City's hunt for a top-four place and an FA Cup final. "He has a good mentality, has played for top teams, and has won many trophies," said the manager. "But he needs to play a game or two to get the feel for the game again."

Mancini shrugged off doubts over Bridge's mental state as he prepares to return to action at the KC Stadium for the first time in eight weeks following a medial knee ligament problem.

Wayne Bridge

"Wayne can play because he has worked with us for ten days and has no problems," said Mancini. "Other things, like his private life, are not important."

There will be no repeat of the show of solidarity by three team-mates last week, when Carlos Tevez, Nigel de Jong and Stevie Ireland wore "Team Bridge" T-shirts in the midst of revelations about his ex-girlfriend's alleged affair with John Terry, who is due to meet Fabio Capello in the next few days to discuss the captaincy now the England boss is back in the country.

Mancini revealed he met Franco Baldini, Capello's trusted assistant, on Monday.

"He asked me about Wayne and I told him it is not a good moment in his head but it's not a problem on the training ground. It's important he can play now and not think about the other person," said Mancini.

"Wayne is the best left-back in England and the Premier League. He is a fantastic man and a fantastic player."

Lescott has returned to training this week following knee surgery but he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

The manager, meanwhile, expressed his incredulity that the Blues were not granted a work permit for Kenya midfielder McDonald Mariga on transfer deadline day.

"The situation with Mariga was incredible," he said. "He is the top player in his country, his country is close to England, and he has been playing European football for seven years, so I don't understand it."

City then failed in a last-ditch bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago for £16m, but Mancini hinted the deal could be resurrected in the summer.

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