When Shaun Wright Phillips appeared as second half substitute against Switzerland, he was probably hoping that an impressive display could kick-start his club season. But things didn’t go according to plan for the Manchester City winger and a below par display was topped off with a woeful cross that eluded Darren Bent and infuriated boss Fabio Capello.

That cross summed up a frustrating few months for the 28-year-old. After a World Cup that ended with intense disappointment for every English player, Wright Phillips returned to Eastlands to see a host of big name arrivals.

Wright Phillips has since started just one of City’s opening three Premier League games and you do get the feeling he may slowly been forced out of the club who he is made over  150 appearances for.

It’s a real shame for Wright Phillips who ever since his £21 million move to Chelsea  in 2005 has seen his career stutter. That move was meant to be the making of the exciting English prospect, but things never really worked out for him in London. His game was never going to fit in with Jose Mourinho’s style and this is why I can see Wright Phillips departing from City sooner rather than later.

When he returned to the North West he could probably never of imagined what would happen in the following days. City’s takeover and new millions would change the course of his career. When he arrived back ‘home’ Wright Phillips probably envisaged he would be the leading light in the City team. But the arrival of Robinho just two days later, followed by the vast amount of talent that would follow has meant that once again the likeable winger is mealy a squad player.

Couple this with similarities between Mancini’s method and that of Mourinho, setting up a team that is difficult to beat. You can only have so many flair players and with City boasting vast amounts of talent you just can’t see Wright Phillips fitting in.

It’s such a shame because as I have mentioned Wright Phillips is a very likeable player, and has immense talent, but unfortunately he has been at two clubs who have been able to buy whatever player they like. At the sort of clubs like Wright Phillips has been at, he will always struggle to force their way in to the managers plans when better players become available, with their millions, they are always available.