SVEN SALUTES SCHMEICHEL START

Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted rookie keeper Kasper Schmeichel has made him pause for thought in the transfer market.

Although the Manchester City boss is widely expected to bring in reinforcements, probably in the form of current Italy second choice Marco Amelia, Schmeichel could not have done much more to catch Eriksson's eye.

After being handed his debut in the opening day win at West Ham, the 20-year-old recorded his second successive clean sheet in Wednesday night's win over Derby which saw City climb to second in the Premier League table.

There was still a bit of hesitation in Schmeichel's performance against the Rams, which is probably why Eriksson is continuing his search for a more experienced alternative.

But the Swede has been pleasantly surprised at the way Schmeichel has coped with his sudden elevation to the big time.

"If Kasper goes on like this, soon we will not be spending any more time talking about getting another goalkeeper," smiled Eriksson.

"The great thing is we also have someone on the bench in Joe Hart who is just as good as Kasper. That is very good for the future and for now.

"I have only known Kasper for one month but I can already tell he is an extremely confident boy.

"He is not the tallest of keepers but he is fantastic on the line. He has quick feet and takes everything there."

With his shock of blond hair, Schmeichel bears more than just a passing resemblance to his dad, legendary Manchester United star Peter.

After watching his dad serve the Red Devils with such distinction, before moving onto City for a season at the end of his career, it would be amazing to think Schmeichel junior could make his Manchester derby debut for the Blues at Eastlands this weekend.

Such a scenario does depend on Eriksson not landing Amelia within the next 48 hours. Nevertheless, the former England manager is impressed at the way Schmeichel is handling being the son of someone so famous.

"Sometimes it can be difficult when you are in that position," he said.

"But when you look at the two games he has played for us, I don't think you could blame him for anything."

Schmeichel is the latest in a massive line of players who have graduated from the City academy in recent seasons.

One of whom, Ishmael Miller, has just signed a three-year contract despite joining West Brom on loan.

In more financially frugal times, the academy support system has helped carry City along.

Now, with the wealth of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra driving them forward, having home-grown talent on tap is not quite so essential.

However, Eriksson still found room for four former academy stars in his starting line-up, including England star Micah Richards, with another on the bench in the former of Under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha.

"It is fantastic to have all these young players," said Eriksson.

"You can only congratulate the academy for the work they have done."

At a time when Eriksson's eight new signings are still finding their feet, the contributions of Richards, Johnson, Schmeichel and midfield schemer Stephen Ireland are a key component of City's excellent form.

Their revival under Eriksson will receive its first major test on Sunday when Sir Alex Ferguson brings his wounded United outfit across the city.

No matter what the outcome, the Blues will remain higher in the table when the game is over.

And, while Eriksson is refusing to get carried away by such short-term success, he is quietly pleased at the way things have gone so far.

"I couldn't have imagined this," he said.

"I am more than happy and I strongly believe we will play better football in the future when our fitness has improved."

Taken from =football365=