City boss Eriksson hopes to secure his skipper on a Dunne deal

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The club captain still has two years to run on his current deal, but Eriksson believes he is due a pay rise.

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The Swede admits when he first saw the Republic of Ireland defender play a few years ago he gave him a low rating.

But Dunne has banished to history a series of indiscipline problems and concerns about his fitness and, at 28, has become arguably his team's most influential figure.

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Captain fantastic: Eriksson is ready to reward Dunne (right) with a new contract

Eriksson said: "I hope Richard will sign a new contract for us very soon.

"He is our captain and a very good one at that. He is very important for us. He is a like a 'big brother' to the young players.

"When I saw him four or five years ago, I was not that impressed.

"Looking at him recently, he has been fantastic. Today, he is one of the best in the country in his position."

Eriksson took time out last night to join 200 supporters at non-league Hyde United's ground, where City's talented prospects defeated Millwall 5-1 in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

The former England manager enjoyed the experience and predicts a bright future for some of the boys.

He said: "It was a marvellous victory, and they played very good football.

"Millwall were the better team for 20 minutes and went ahead. Then suddenly everything changed, and we scored five beautiful goals.

"The academy is working very well. There are players in that team who will train here (at Carrington) soon and then progress to the first team. The quality we have is very good."

Elano is expected to come back into contention against Bolton in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday following a hamstring injury, along with Dietmar Hamann after suspension.

But Stephen Ireland sits out the first match of his three-match ban, after being sent off in the defeat by Tottenham at the weekend.