Eriksson wants more substitutes

12 April 2012

Sven-Goran Eriksson is calling for Premier League clubs to be allowed more options when it comes to using substitutes.

The Manchester City manager would prefer to have seven players on the bench, not five as currently allowed.

"Everyone wants to be on the pitch but it would help if we could change the rules on substitutes," said Eriksson. "If we could have seven players on the bench, it would be much better."

The Swede is encountering a traditional problem in trying to keep all his players happy with summer signings Rolando Bianchi, Gelson Fernandes and Geovanni finding it hard to get games.

Former England boss Eriksson said: "When you have say 23 players, who are working hard, it is bad when you have to omit them on match day."

Croatia defender Vedran Corluka is one newcomer who has settled in quickly after moving from Dinamo Zagreb and he is due to switch to the centre on Monday night against Roy Keane's Sunderland in the expected absence of Micah Richards with a knee problem.

Bulgaria winger Martin Petrov could return after missing the Carling Cup victory against Bolton because of a toe injury.

Eriksson, however, remains guarded about whether Sweden's Andreas Isaksson will retain his place between the posts and keep out Joe Hart.

"They are both good goalkeepers who deserve to play," said the City boss. "I have not made my mind up."

City are aiming for their seventh straight home league win and to avenge last weekend's 6-0 mauling at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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