Manchester City boss skipper Richard Dunne is poised to sign another new deal and was hailed by his manager as "a very important player for us."

Sven Goran Eriksson said: "He is like a big brother to the younger players.

"I saw him four or five years ago when I first came to this country and I was not that impressed.

"But he has made a fantastic improvement. Now he is one of the best defenders in the country."