MANCHESTER City's Danny Tiatto has apologised for his two-footed lunge on Rovers midfielder David Thompson.

The Australian international was sent off for the tackle only seven minutes after coming on a substitute in the 2-2 draw at Maine Road on Sunday.

"I didn't get a chance to speak to David after the game but I would like to apologise to him," said Tiatto.

"There's no way that I intended to hurt him and I would like him to know that.

"It was a bad tackle. I accept that and I know I let the club and the rest of the players down.

"But despite the fact that so much is being made of it, I am not a malicious player and I would never go out to deliberately injure anyone."

Tiatto blamed the sixth sending off of his professional career on the fact he was over anxious to impress boss Kevin Keegan.

"I had a pretty ordinary pre-season, what with injuries and things. Then I have been sitting on the bench and not getting a run, which is very frustrating.

"So when I did get on the field on Sunday, I was probably trying a bit too hard to impress and to stake my claim.

"Perhaps because of that I did get a bit carried away, but I say again that no way was it a deliberate attempt to injure him.

"Obviously this has set me back a bit now, but I would like to think that I am a strong character.

"I will go away, work on my fitness levels and, if the manager gives me a chance, I would love to repay him and my team-mates."

Keegan was fuming after the incident and vowed to fine the 29-year-old two weeks' wages.

"I was disgusted with the tackle. It as unprofessional and stupid," said Keegan.