Barry boosts Manchester City as midfielder looks set to face Liverpool

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes expects Gareth Barry to shrug off a groin problem and face Liverpool on Saturday.

Barry, who was close to joining the Reds from Aston Villa last summer before moving to Eastlands in May, suffered some discomfort following England's defeat by Brazil in a friendly last week.

Hughes said: 'Gareth came back from the international with a little bit of soreness but it should not be a problem for the weekend.'