Man City boss Hughes can see UAE friendly being annual event

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is happy to be taking his squad to Abu Dhabi for their friendly with the UAE.

Hughes believes the game may become an annual fixture, if the international calendar allows.

"It's an opportunity for us to take a team to our home from home," said Hughes, whose coaching team will also be staging clinics and whose players will be getting out to meet the people who live in the city.

"We are looking forward to it - with it being international week we will be taking a development squad of the younger players, of whom we are very proud.

"We have a production line from the academy, and want to take the best players to give them experience of playing abroad, so it will be a good exercise.

"We also want to enjoy the kind of welcome which we have always had when we go to Abu Dhabi."

Man City boss Hughes confirms he can spend big in January

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has confirmed he can spend big in January on the right player.

Hughes met chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday with executive chairman Garry Cook.

He said: "As soon as one window closes, you begin planning for the next one, but I am quite happy with the attacking players I have.

"And I won't be bringing players in just to provide cover. It would be the wrong strategy to bring in players because of a short-term weakness.

"But if a good player is available and we think he would improve the squad on a longer basis, then we will look to do it."