Eriksson praise for skipper as Dunne battles to be fit

MANCHESTER CITY manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has spoken of his debt to Richard Dunne as the defender battles to be fit to face Tottenham on Sunday.

Dunne was forced off during the defeat at Reading last weekend with a gash to his shin that required nine stitches.

The 28-year-old initially carried on after tackling Republic of Ireland team-mate Stephen Hunt, before the seriousness of the injury became clear.

City are aiming to improve on a wretched run of two wins in 12 games that has hampered their hopes of a place in Europe next season.

Dunne’s presence at the moment is vital given that his defensive partner Micah Richards is recovering from a knee operation at present.

And City boss Eriksson is hopeful his skipper will be available for the clash at Eastlands on Sunday afternoon.

“Richard is a tough guy, and if there is any chance he can play against Spurs then he will do,” Eriksson said.

“Not only have we not scored recently, we have conceded some easy goals and we need him, and the others, to be fully fit.

“We were not conceding soft goals in the first half of the season, which is why we had so many good results.

“It is up to us to make it right and start to win, because otherwise there is no meaning in talking about Europe.

“As long as it is still a mathematical possibility, we have to believe it and fight for it.”

City winger Martin Petrov sits out the final game of his three-match ban while Michael Ball looks certain to be absent after twisting his knee at Reading.

Young defender Nedum Onuoha could come into contention after being sidelined with a hamstring injury.