Eriksson joy at Johnson

Eriksson: Johnson praise

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson has praised the match winning contribution of Michael Johnson after his side's victory over Aston Villa.

Johnson scored City's goal to secure a 1-0 win over Villa and Eriksson has sung the 19-year-old's praises.

City have now moved up to second in the Premier League, but Eriksson was keen to single out the efforts of Johnson.

"He is an all round midfielder," Eriksson told Sky Sports.

"He can defend, he is a good passer and he scores goals and it is fantastic to see a young player like that."

Top four

Eriksson also believes the England Under 21 player will be learning from his time together with City's German veteran Dietmar Hamann.

"He is learning every minute he is on the pitch with Hamann," Eriksson added. "It is very good."

Eriksson, though, has ruled out the possibility of City breaking into the Premier League's 'big four' teams of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal - despite his side's current lofty position.

"It is too early to speak about that," said Eriksson. "We have to go on match after match and try to do as well as possible.

"I don't think it is a realistic ambition. I hoped I could say yes but if you look at the squad of last season's top four they are still the best."