Eriksson has enjoyed an excellent start to life as a Premier League boss, guiding City into second spot behind Arsenal, with four wins from their opening six games.

Yet goals have not been in plentiful supply at Eastlands, with only five scored so far this term of which only one has come from a recognised striker.

The loss of Valeri Bojinov to a serious knee injury has not helped but Eriksson also acknowledges his decision to play only one forward, with Brazilian playmaker Elano operating just behind, is hardly likely to turn City into a free-flowing attacking force.

However, as long as the ends justify the means, Eriksson will continue with his safety first policy.

"Of course, I would like to win 5-0 all the time but we are playing in the Premier League with a young team and a new team," he said.

"We are playing in a certain way and some people might criticise us for doing that but at the moment it suits us."

Eriksson's philosophy is also partly influenced by the fact Brazilian playmaker Elano is still some way short of full fitness following his summer move from Shakhtar Donetsk and probably not yet physically capable of meeting the demands of 90 minutes in the Premier League as an orthodox midfield player.

"It is important to know that when he arrived here, Elano was not at his physical peak," said Eriksson.

"I still don't think he is at 100% yet because even when there have been international breaks, he has done a lot of travelling.

"He has still done very well for us so far. When he has the ball you know something is going to happen and he has been good in that position, which is why we are playing the way we are.

"But he will get better physically and with that will come better and better performances on the pitch."

Nevertheless, City have been working hard on the training ground in an effort to find a greater goal threat and getting more support to Emile Mpenza, who has operated on his own up front in the last couple of games.

"I do hope the goals will come," said Eriksson.

"It is not a concern as long as we keep clean sheets but we are working hard in training every day, trying to find ways of getting behind defences. Hopefully, it will come."

One man who certainly knows a way to goal is teenage midfield sensation Michael Johnson.

At a time when Eriksson has packed his squad with largely unknown foreign talent, Johnson, along with defensive duo Micah Richards and Nedum Onuoha, has kept the home flag flying, scoring the winner against both Derby and, last weekend, Aston Villa.

The 19-year-old is the latest member of City's academy to graduate to first-team honours and Eriksson is not surprised at the rave reviews he has been attracting.

"Michael Johnson is a very good all-round player who can do everything on a football pitch," he said.

"Of course, he is young and he will get better but he loves playing and trains very hard every day.

"I am not surprised at all other clubs have been interested in him. The goals he has scored so far this season are very important to us."

Meanwhile, Eriksson has confirmed Stephen Ireland will also be in his squad after missing the victory over Villa amid the fall-out from his bizarre withdrawal from international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Speculation surrounding Ireland has continued this week following some postings on his personal website, but Eriksson sees no problem in bringing the youngster back into the first team fold.

"I spoke with Stephen last week but not since," he said.

"As far as I am concerned, the story is finished.

"He is in the right frame of mind and he is training very well, so I think he will do a very good job for us tomorrow."