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Premier League

Mark Hughes has rubbished reports that Carlos Tevez is set for a supersub role at Manchester City for the rest of the season.

Speculation is rife that Hughes' choice to play the Argentine striker from the bench against Liverpool was a clear sign that he wants Tevez to bring the game some energy in the second half.

"We were mindful of the fact that he has had bangs on his knees, which has been giving him concern," Hughes told The Manchester Evening News.

"We went to Anfield with a different shape and were quite comfortable in the first half.

"But it was always my intention to bring Carlos on at some point of the game to try to win it for us.

"And he was excellent, showing good energy and doing fantastic for the second goal. I am pleased for him because he looked really sharp."

Man City coach Eddie Niedzwiecki seconded Hughes' assessment.

"That was a case of people making something out of the fact that we had gone to Liverpool with a game plan, and because he made such an impact coming on he was handed a label that was completely wrong," the coach said.

"Because of the size of squad we have, and the players we have, there will be times when the boss has to leave certain individuals out or play a different system.

"We are very flexible with what we can do, and the boss will use that, but to label Carlos as an impact sub is completely wrong.

"He came on at Liverpool and showed hunger and desire, and did change things.

"But you have to take into account that he had been away with Argentina, and there was a lot of speculation about that as well, a lot of emotion around the national team and Carlos."