Hull City v Manchester City: Crossing Bridge would be out of line

The Manchester City defender has been in the headlines following the allegations his ex-girlfriend – and mother of his three-year-old son – had a four-month affair with John Terry.

Bridge is said to be devastated by the revelations surrounding his

former Chelsea team-mate Terry and Vanessa Perroncel.

He is, however, expected to return to action at the KC Stadium for the first time since suffering a medial knee ligament injury in December.

Tigers fans taunted Terry mercilessly during the midweek draw with Chelsea with his every touch being jeered.

It remains to be seen whether Bridge will be targeted in a similar vein, though Hull striker Fagan insists there will be no on-field attempts to wind up the former Chelsea defender.

He said: "He (Bridge) is going to be in the spotlight but I am sure their manager won't put him in unless he is 100 per cent sure."

Asked what sort of reception Bridge could expect, Fagan added: "I don't want to get involved in any of that, but I wouldn't dare mention it to the guy, if I am honest. That would be crossing the line.

"If he does play, then fair play to him."

Fagan has built something of a reputation as someone who enjoys plenty of banter with opposing players during games.

The past few weeks have seen the Hull striker clash verbally with a number of opponents but he said: "Those battles are part of the game. Some players in this league like to give it out but when you kick them back and get a bit aggressive, they don't like it.

"You have to be like that, otherwise you will get walked over. We are a team who can be aggressive.

"There are different opponents that you know you can get into. We are playing against Craig Bellamy and he is the best at that. So, I don't think I will be getting into too much of an argument with him."

Fagan recently became embroiled in one of the season's more controversial incidents with it being his off-the-ball clash with Rio Ferdinand a fortnight ago that led to the Manchester United defender – and now new England captain – being banned for an initial three games.

Ferdinand appealed only for the FA to increase the punishment by an extra game for what they deemed to be the frivolous nature of his complaint. The former Leeds United defender has since appealed again and is due to hear the outcome next week.

Due to Fagan's reputation as a wind-up merchant, many believed he must have said something derogatory to the England international but he insists this was not the case.

He said: "I didn't say anything. I was blocking him from marking Anthony Gardner and, at the time, I didn't think it was an elbow. I thought I had just been pushed.

"It wasn't until the next day that I knew he was going before the FA so it all felt a bit bizarre.

"He gave me his shirt after the game so I don't think there was any malice but obviously you can see he elbowed me."

Bridge's return to action means the focus is likely to be on the England left-back and how he handles such a difficult week off the field.

For those whose loyalty lies with Hull, however, a far more pertinent point will be whether they can capitalise on a third home game inside a week.

After being below par in last Saturday's 2-2 draw with Wolves, Hull were much improved in deservedly taking a point off Chelsea.

The visit of the world's richest club is likely to bring an equally difficult challenge but Fagan insists the Tigers can again rise to the challenge.

The former Derby striker said: "There is a buzz around the place again and the lads feel positive. If we can take that into the next game then it can only be a good thing.

"We managed to keep the core of the squad together during the January transfer window and that in itself is a boost. We are working very hard for each other and that is what we are all about.

"But I think we have also shown we can play as well."

Hull City v Manchester City

Team news: Amr Zaki could start his first game for Hull after two impressive cameo appearances from the bench. Seyi Olofinjana is back in the squad after returning from African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria, while Paul McShane is also available despite suffering a cut head in the midweek draw at home to Chelsea.

Last six games: Hull City DLDLDD, Manchester City WLWWLW.

Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).

Last time: Hull City 2 Manchester City 2; November 15, 2008; Premier League.

SkyBet odds: Hull to win 9-2, Manchester City to win 8-11, Draw 12-5.