Sven Goran Eriksson admits he leans heavily on experienced Manchester City midfielder Didi Hamann.

The German, 34, is enjoying a new lease of life as the anchorman at Eastlands and has just been handed an extra year on his contract.

Eriksson said: “He is our most experienced player. He is like the big brother to all the new and young players in the squad. His performances have always been extremely good. I have always thought Hamann is an excellent player - his passing is top class.”