Sven hails City youngsters
16 Aug 2007 - 08:34:39
Sven-Goran Eriksson praised Manchester City's academy system after graduate Michael Johnson sealed his second successive win at the helm against Derby County on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old midfielder's first goal for the club moved the Citizens level on points at the top of the fledgling Premier League table and left Eriksson full of admiration for the club's current batch of youngsters.
The former England boss has already brought eight new players into Eastlands following his appointment last month, but was delighted with the performances of home-grown talent like Johnson, Micah Richards, Stephen Ireland and Kasper Schmeichel against the Rams.
"It is fantastic to see so many young players doing well," said Eriksson.
"I must congratulate the club's academy for the extremely good work they have done.
"People forget there are a lot of good young British players here, they are all doing very well. There are more for the future, too."
Meanwhile, Eriksson admitted he was relishing the prospect of locking horns with Sir Alex Ferguson during Sunday's city derby with bitter rivals Manchester United at Eastlands.
"Sunday is a big one," he added. "Of course, they are the champions, so it is a big test for us."