Owen Hargreaves Scores Stunning Goal on Manchester City Debut (Video)

Owen Hargreaves enjoyed a dream debut for Manchester City last night, scoring a fine opener in their 2-0 Carling Cup win against Birmingham and showing no signs of injury.

The former England midfielder was released by Manchester United at the end of last season, having struggled through three years blighted by persistent knee and hamstring problems. Manchester City took a gamble on him on transfer deadline day, and if his performance last night was anything to go by, it may prove an inspired move.

Hargreaves' looked sharp during his hour on the field at the Etihad and scored his first goal since 2008 with a fierce drive in the first half.

"It was essential to get a change of scenery. I feel good," Hargreaves said after the game.

"It's my first real game action in, I think, three years and four months - which is a bit frightening in itself. I put in a lot of hard work in the summer.

"...It's important to get back into a team situation on a big pitch. Just getting used to basic things you do in the game.

"All in all it was a great exercise for me."

City manager Roberto Mancini hailed Hargreaves' performance, adding that the 30-year-old could yet win himself a regular starting spot in his team.

"I'm really happy for him. He started tonight, played 60 minutes and scored a fantastic goal," Mancini said.

"Yes, it's possible (for Hargreaves to be first-choice for City). But this was his first game after two years.

"We need to be calm. He needs some time to recover. But I hope he'll be lucky in the future, with us, because he's a good guy."