Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson was disappointed a water-logged pitch prevented Danny Sturridge from making a playing return with the reserve-team yesterday.

The youth striker hasn't played a single game for City since his fourth minute penalty helped the Blues' reserves to lift the Manchester Senior Cup last season.

A disappointed Eriksson told City's website: "He should have been playing tonight in the reserves but unfortunately the match is off due to a waterlogged pitch. So I'm sad about that because I wanted to see him.

"I can tell you is he a very good football player. How good he is it's not fair to say after the five training sessions I've seen him in.

"I'm not sure when the reserves are playing next but he will be playing in that game."