Manager Roberto Mancini made it clear to the England international nothing must get in the way of the club's ambition to secure a place in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's match with Sunderland, Mancini also revealed he would prefer the players go to him if they have issues, rather than the media.

Mancini said: "Shaun is an important player but we have time in the future to speak about his contract.

"Now it is important he plays well for the team in this game, the next game.

"It is vital the players play 100% for the club because we have one important target.

"Shaun gives 100% and that makes me happy. I think he is happy and I prefer it when the players speak with me."

Mancini is backing Carlos Tevez to maintain his scoring form and help City claim that Champions League slot.

The Argentina striker is looking to improve his impressive 21-goal tally at the Stadium of Light.

Tevez, 26, grabbed a brace in the 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a result which underlined the club's intent.

It was a remarkable performance given he was suffering from jet lag after returning home to deal with a family matter.

Mancini said: "I am very happy with Carlos because he is a strong player, an important player and someone who works hard for the team. He was born to play football.

"I hope he continues in this way and scores more goals until the end of the season.

"I think he can improve in the next week, the next month and the next year because he is still a fairly young player.

"I think all the players will be feeling better after a good rest. I am happy because this week we have been working well. I think we can do a good job on Sunday."

Even though Liverpool lost to Wigan on Monday, Mancini has not discounted Rafael Benitez's side in the battle for the top four.

The Italian added: "These results can happen because in England every game is difficult.

"Of course Liverpool have a chance as they are a big team. They have nine games left and are one of four teams who could get that place."

Sunderland go into the match on the back of a comfortable victory against Bolton, but Mancini is looking for nothing less than a win against the Black Cats.

He added: "I think beating Chelsea will help our confidence as we played very well.

"It is important we win this game if we want to continue our improvement. In the last three or four games we have performed very well.

"It will be a difficult game against Sunderland. It is important we forget about Chelsea as this will be a different test. We need to show good concentration and play 100%."