Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has insisted there is room for young domestic talent within his expanding foreign legion at Eastlands.

All eight of Eriksson's signings so far have come from abroad and the Swede seems set to bring in more before Saturday's opening Premier League game at West Ham.

But Eriksson was happy to admit academy graduates Michael Johnson and Stephen Ireland were among the most impressive City players in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to Valencia.

And with England defender Micah Richards and Under-21 international Nedum Onuoha starting as well, Eriksson is adamant home-grown stars can still shine at Eastlands.

"Of course there is room for people like Johnson and Ireland," said the former England boss.

"They are excellent players. They showed that last season and they are going to get better and better.

"It is the same with Onuoha and Richards. They are extremely good talents and they will both play a lot of games.

"I am not saying they will play 38 leagues, maybe no-one will do that. But they will play a lot. They are part of the future for this club."