From MEN:
STEVE HOWEY's derby dream is still alive after he vowed to play through the pain barrier.
The odds still do not favour the central defender leading Manchester City in Saturday's big game but he refuses to rule himself out after the scan on his injured left foot was put back until today.
"If there is no stress fracture and the medical people say an injection will allow me to play then I will go for it," he declared.
"I am desperate to play in the game. To possibly lead City in a derby would be one of the highlights of my career. However, if there is chance that any permanent damage could be done to the foot we will have to weigh the options.
"I just felt the foot go `pop' early in the game at Wigan but even if I am out it doesn't by any stretch of the imagination mean we cannot win the derby. There will be plenty of respect for United but we don't fear them in any way shape or form."
"There is extra pressure in a derby, you don't want to let yourself down or anyone connected with the club. There has been talk about the United lads wanting the points more than us because more of them were either born or brought up in Manchester but that will not be the case. Every one of our players will be only too aware of the significance of the match.
"We know United will have some midfield players missing but that makes no difference. You have to go out and play as well as you can. It is not as though United will be fielding a reserve side and we know they will be packed with quality."
"If I do captain the side on Saturday it would have special significance. I would obviously have the photograph stuck on the wall but to be honest to captain Manchester City anywhere in any game is a huge thing for me and makes me feel very proud."