Manuel Pellegrini hailed the return of David Silva to Manchester City's starting lineup following the side's 4-1 win over Hull City.

The Spain international made his first start since the 6-1 thumping of Newcastle United in October in Tuesday's League Cup quarterfinal and was given the captain's armband for the win over Steve Bruce's side.

Silva delivered an impressive performance as Wilfried Bony, Kelechi Iheanacho and a Kevin De Bruyne double sealed City's progress, and his manager believes he embodies the style with which he wants his side to play.

"It's very important [to have him back] because it's not easy to replace David, he gives a style of play that we like to play. Of course the team played better with him," Pellegrini said. "It was a very good game, because we didn't concede any chances in the whole game, they scored when it was already 4-0.

"The second goal came a bit late but it's great to be in the semifinal.

"I'm very happy for De Bruyne also, for Kelechi, for Bony after a long injury. Everything was very good except for a fifth yellow card for [Eliaquim] Mangala [who now faces a one-game suspension]."

Pellegrini believes his side can be proud of its season so far, with Champions League progress secured and a return to the top of the Premier League over the weekend.

"To have qualified for the Champions League next stage, to be in the semi-final, top of the league, with so many injured players is great," he said. "Now we have to play the semifinal. I always say if you are a big team you must try to win every competition you're in.

"The final is in Wembley, it's always a special game. It was very beautiful to win it. [in 2014]."

Pellegrini added that Sergio Aguero will face further fitness tests ahead of the weekend trip to Stoke City as he still has "a lot of pain" in his heel.