While most of his colleagues were focusing on Richard Dunne and Gareth Barry last night, the Mail's Ian Ladyman took a closer look at Emmanuel Adebayor, and liked what he saw.

Manu's performance in the draw at Villa Park was largely overshadowed, not least by Craig Bellamy's superb equaliser, but his worth to the City cause did not escape Laydo's eye.

While the back page described him as "City bad boy" and declared that he had "returned from disgrace" and failed to score for the first time this season, Ladyman took a different stance.

"It is too early yet to say that Adebayor will prove as talismanic as those great players [Torres, Drogba and Rooney],' cautions his thoughtful piece. "City are still trying to figure out  how best to bring the maximum from him. But there is potential."

He adds: "What is not in doubt is the quality Adebayor brings to this team ... Carlos Tevez, Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips were not too shabby either, but there was a sweet feel to Adebayor's work. Everything right off the laces."

Laydo, who has covered Wales throughout Europe and is clearly a Mark Hughes fan, says: "Adebayor will never play like his manager once did, and he will have to work hard at times to ensure he is effective away from home.

"But he could yet become the focal point of this team. Then he will really begin to feel the love."

Meanwhile, The Independent lists the Premier League players set to be drafted for the African Nations Cup in January. Manu (Togo) and skipper Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast) will miss games against Blackburn, Everton, Stoke and Portsmouth. But that, as the boss will point out, is what squads are for.