Matt Le Tissier believes that Manchester City fans will forgive Carlos Tevez for his off-field antics if he finds himself back in Roberto Mancini's side.

The Italian boss has reportedly claimed that the Argentina international could play again for the Premier League side if he apologises for his actions.

Despite the 27-year-old disgracing the North West side by appearing to refuse to play in City's clash against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the former Southampton star thinks that all might be forgiven.

"I'd be surprised if Tevez did come out and say sorry because by the sounds of things he doesn't feel like he's got anything to apologise for," Le Tissier told talkSPORT.

"He's quite a strong-headed character and it would surprise me if he did do that.

"But football fans are strange people and they will forgive him if he gets picked and starts playing well and scoring goals. It will all be forgotten very soon."

Meanwhile, City have travelled to Spain to take on Villarreal in the Champion League Group A clash tonight.