Eriksson backs Bianchi

Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed his Man City striker Rolando Bianchi to come good after the Italian bagged his third goal of the season at White Hart Lane at the weekend as City were defeated by Tottenham.

"It was a very good goal, good delivery from [Martin] Petrov and a great header, but that's Bianchi," Eriksson told the club's website.

"He's there in the right place at the right moment and in the box. He's very physical and strong.

"I speak with him everyday and it's very easy too because we can both speak Italian. It's not been easy for him, but I hope that this goal will help his confidence."

Bianchi himself responded: "The English game is different; a lot of strikers who come here have problems settling in at the beginning.

"The pace is different and the tackling can be as well. I think he played as a lone striker at Reggina though, so he is used to that role."