Sven Goran Eriksson could single-handedly get Manchester City into Europe for next season.

City are well placed in the Premier League's Fair Play League thanks to an impressive disciplinary record on the field and Eriksson's policy of refusing to criticise match officials.

The Blues have suffered from several controversial decisions this season which have cost them points and City officials have been urging Eriksson to get tough with bungling referees.

The ultra-cool Swede has refused to lose his temper, however, and the marks that referees give for their treatment by managers plays a part in the Fair Play table.

A City insider told the Sunday Mirror: "It has been a source of some frustration at the club that Sven has refused to criticise referees even when they have blatantly got it wrong.

"Some poor decisions have cost us vital points this season, but Sven always seems to be philosophical.

"Even when we got knocked out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United he refused to have a go at Alan Wiley above, even though their first goal came when the ball struck a balloon and we had appealed to the referee to clear the pitch."