Vassell backing for Eriksson

Darius Vassell has reiterated his support for under-pressure Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Eriksson's position at Eastlands is in jeopardy with owner Thaksin Shinawatra reportedly unhappy with City's second half of the season which resulted in them finishing ninth in the Barclays Premier League.

But striker Vassell, who earned his England debut under Eriksson while at Aston Villa, has backed his beleaguered boss saying: "It has been good. When he was coming here I was always hoping that he would've been the choice - I was happy."

The 27-year-old has scored six times in 22 England appearances, the last of which came under Eriksson as England exited Euro 2004 to Portugal.

And despite being a peripheral figure at Eastlands this season, Vassell has enjoyed playing under the Swede on a full-time basis.

"It was difficult for me at the start of the season but I managed to get in around Christmas and got myself involved with the squad and I enjoyed it," he added.

Vassell denied that the speculation engulfing the club was affecting the players.

"We are all professionals and we're all doing our jobs," he said.