NFL-Manning welcomes wet track for 49ers showdown

* Says wet conditions on Sunday would favour Giants

* Teams battle Sunday in San Francisco for NFC title (Recasts with quotes)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning welcomes the rainy conditions that are forecasted for Sunday's road game against the defensive-minded San Francisco 49ers with a berth in the Super Bowl on the line.

"I'm fine throwing it in the rain," Manning, who returned to practice on Thursday after quitting midway through his training schedule Wednesday because of a 24-hour bug, told reporters.

"If it comes to it, if it's a wet game I always felt the offense has an advantage from throwing the ball and receivers have the advantage when the ground's wet.

"They know where they're going, what they're doing. They should be able to come out of their breaks a little bit better, we should not be the ones slipping. Usually, it's the defensive side that slips."

The Giants have relied on Manning's strong arm to power an offense that has featured big-play receivers Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham.

Manning has thrown six touchdown passes and only one interception in New York's two playoff games leading up to Sunday's National Football Conference championship tilt.

"It's been good to have all three of those guys in the mix. Everybody's been healthy for the last few weeks and all three are playing at a high level," Manning said after going through his exercise regimen in the weight room.

"It makes my job a lot easier. I'm not having to try to force it in certain situations. I'm just going through my reads and trusting those guys to get open."

Manning, named most valuable player when the Giants won the Super Bowl four years ago, acts like a coach on the field, in synch with offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, with whom he has worked throughout his eight-year NFL career with the Giants.

"He wants to throw the ball, he's got a quarterback mentality," said Manning. "He likes to get the ball downfield and hit some big plays."

Still, Manning understands the importance of handing off to Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs for a rushing threat to slow down the powerful pass-rush of the 49ers, who beat the Giants 27-20 in a regular-season game in November.

"The last time they kept two safeties back so we had to run it. We don't have to get big runs, if we get three, four yards at a pop we can set up better third down conditions. Their front four on third down can get a good rush, they're powerful. We want to get manageable situations."

Gilbride said he was not worried about his receivers shrinking from the crushing collisions produced by the hard-hitting 49ers.

"Our guys recognize that they're a terrific group, an unbelievable front and do a great job. I think our guys are looking forward to the challenge," Gilbride said.

"I think they're a physical, physical team. Their safeties are as physical as any pair we've faced. (But) I do think our guys are tough. Rather than be intimidated, I think they'll be excited about it."