Mancini demanding more from Vieira

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is looking for improvement from Patrick Vieira in the wake of his unimpressive display against Wigan.

The former Arsenal midfielder looked tired and was off the pace in his Champions League-chasing side's 3-0 victory over the Latics on Monday.

Vieira had been recalled against Wigan in order to allow Gareth Barry time to rest, but Mancini was not pleased with the performance of a player who he signed in the winter transfer window with a view to adding experience.

City's manager has called for the 33-year-old to make progress in his performances as his side pursue a spot in the top four.

"Patrick could improve," Mancini told the Manchester Evening News as he plans for Saturday's trip to Burnley.

"Patrick could be an important player in the final weeks of the season. He didn't play against Everton because I wanted him against Wigan."

Pablo Zabaleta received a yellow card, his 10th of the season, against Wigan and will now be suspended for the match against Burnley and the following week's meeting with Birmingham.

Midfielder Nigel de Jong is also one booking away from a two-match suspension and Mancini has explained that was the reason why he selected Barry among his substitutes on Monday.

"I rested Gareth, ready for the next seven games," said Mancini.

"Pablo is banned for two games and Nigel is now in that same position. That is why it was important to rest Gareth.

"He has played a lot of football this season, so I wanted to give him a chance to recover."