PEP TIPS FODEN TO SHINE AGAIN

PEP GUARDIOLA has backed Phil Foden to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last season and show his "extraordinary" quality for Manchester City.

- by DAVID LYNCH

The midfielder was the cornerstone of City’s last Premier League title win, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances to help ensure Arsenal were pipped at the post.

However, Foden, 25, netted just seven times last term as Guardiola’s side finished third and failed to collect silverware for the first time since 2016-17.

But, after missing the opening-day win over Wolves with an ankle issue, Foden (inset) is set to return against Tottenham this weekend, together with their midfield lynchpin Rodri, who some pundits were anticipating might be in for another long layoff.

The City boss said: “Rodri and Phil, in the last game they were out, but for just a lack of training and rhythm. They didn’t travel to Palermo and the other guys were doing it all through preseason.