Elano was the difference for Manchester City again as his goal proved the winner in their 1-0 victory over Birmingham City.

Elano arrived back at the Carrington training ground only on Friday lunchtime, following his part in Brazil's midweek defeat of Ecuador.

Yet he was bright enough to score the only goal of this Barclays Premier League match in the 37th minute, after Michael Johnson and Vedran Corluka had been involved in the build up.

It was Elano's fourth in three games for City, and he is making a huge impression after arriving from Shaktar Donetsk in the summer.

Eriksson said: "We had a lot of players away, and that is always difficult.

"You are not sure what shape they are in when they come back.

"Elano and Micah Richards had not done anything until the warm-up before the game.

"I asked Elano how he was. He said he was fine - and that was the case.

"I was surprised at the way he shook off the jet-lag. He is a great player and is scoring important goals for us.

"The way he took the goal today was something to be proud of.

"I believe Elano can get better - but if he goes on playing like this I will be happy."