Sven keeps faith with Bianchi

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Eyebrows were raised when Eriksson persuaded City owner Thaksin Shinawatra to splash out almost £9million on the Italian striker, who had been something of a journeyman before he plundered an impressive 18 Serie A goals for unfashionable Reggina last season.

He said: "Bianchi had some problems to settle in, but I hope he will get over that and show us that he is the goalscorer we wanted to have. I'm sure he will come - he works very hard in training."

Fears over his pedigree were eased when he enjoyed an impressive pre-season but, after scoring on his Barclays Premier League debut against West Ham in August, his form suffered a dip and most of his action since has come from the bench.

Eriksson has, however, guaranteed the 24-year-old a start when Norwich visit Eastlands in the Carling Cup and clearly believes he is on the verge of fulfilling his potential.

Eriksson added: "He is happy here. It is even more difficult for a striker when they come here from another culture, another way of playing football.

"If you are a striker in the Premier League, you have to be really into it because the pace is so quick. In all the European leagues, you have more time than you have here. I think it takes a little time to get that.

"It is a little bit my fault because I play only one striker so I have to see who is the best.

"I'm not worried for Bianchi, he is a hard, hard fighter. He is physically very strong."