Convince me you should be picked, Sven tells frustrated Bianchi

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And Eriksson says it is now up to Bianchi to convince him that he is worthy of a starting place.

Laying it on the line: Sven Goran Eriksson has said he understands Bianchi's frustrations but it is up to the striker to impress

Earlier this week, Bianchi suggested he would be seeking pastures new in January after finding himself overlooked for the majority of the campaign so far.

Although the £8.8million summer arrival from Reggina scored City's first goal of the season in their opening day win over West Ham, he has struggled to make an impact with the Eastlands outfit as Eriksson has preferred Emile Mpenza to fill the lone striker's role.

But, after a brief spell on the sidelines with a groin injury, Bianchi is back in training once more and could come into contention for Saturday's Premier League encounter with Birmingham.

And Eriksson is challenging the Italian to prove he is worthy of a place in his progressive side.

"I can imagine that he is frustrated," Eriksson told the club's website mcfc.co.uk.

"It is normal, he was one of the top goalscorers in Italy last season. He started well when he came here but then he had some problems and he was on the bench or in the stands. Of course he will be frustrated and a little angry, but I understand that.

"But he is a hard worker and Monday was his first day back after injury for a while.

"Now he is fit, he has to work hard to convince me that he is my number one. That is football."