Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has welcomed whizkid Danny Sturridge back to full training.

The highly-rated striker, who made two substitute appearances early in 2007, has been sidelined since the summer with a hip injury.

However after a lengthy rehab programme under the supervision of City's medical and fitness team at Carrington, the 18-year-old has now joined in full sessions for the first time since the Manager's arrival last July.

Eriksson told City's website: "Danny has been back in training for the last two days now, and from what I've seen there's no doubt that he's a very good football player.

"He's not ready to play in games just yet, but maybe in a couple of weeks time or within a month he could be ready for a reserves match.

"I had heard that he is a big talent, and just looking at him in training I can see that he could well be an important footballer.

"I have said to him, 'I've finally seen you play!' I have been here half a year and had not seen him play yet, so to see him has been a positive surprise. He's got a good left foot and he's a strong guy as well."