Man City boss hopeful of naming 'stronger' side

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor is hopeful of having some players back for Saturday's Women's Super League trip to Aston Villa.

Top scorer Khadija Shaw has missed City's last six matches through injury but was among those training ahead of the trip to Villa Park (12:00 GMT kick-off).

Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema and English defender Naomi Layzell were among those also training, with the trio missing Wednesday's 2-1 League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United.

"We had a small training group out on the pitch [today]," said City boss Taylor.

"That included Bunny Shaw, which is good. Viv was there, Naomi Layzell as well.

"It's potentially looking like we could be a little bit stronger, certainly from the sidelines, for the weekend."

On recent signings Aemu Oyama and Kerolin, Taylor added that the duo are improving their workload in training.

Here are more key lines from Taylor's news conference:

• On goalkeeper Khiara Keating, Taylor said she was okay "but a little bit shook up" after limping off during City's 2-1 win over United.

• With title-chasing rivals Chelsea and Arsenal facing each other this weekend, Taylor said "we have to" pick up points to put pressure on those sides, especially when they are against each other.

• On recruitment, Taylor said he is still looking to bolster the squad before the transfer window closes.

• This weekend's match will see Taylor face former Man City team-mate Shaun Goater, who is in caretaker charge of Villa. Taylor is looking forward to seeing Goater, who he feels has done a good job as Villa's caretaker manager and has set them up in a similar way to Taylor's style with City.