Sven Goran Eriksson says Georgios Samaras has a future at Manchester City after his last-minute Carling Cup winner in their victory over Norwich City.
Eriksson was so unconvinced by his talent he told Samaras he should look for another club before the transfer window shut in August.
Instead, the 22-year-old chose to remain with the Blues and fight for his place. And Eriksson is happy to give him a decent opportunity to win the battle.
"Georgios has a contract here and he has a future here," said Eriksson.
"If he carries on playing like that, I will use him.
"The goal is fantastic for his confidence and I am really pleased for him because he has not been playing for us."
Despite his lack of first-team chances so far, Eriksson revealed Samaras had never once banged on his door demanding to know why he was continually being ignored.
The only time the pair have spoken in depth was at the end of last month when, despite interest from both England and overseas, Samaras confirmed his intention to remain where he was.
"He told me at the end of August that he wanted to stay and fight for his place, which is exactly what he has done," said Eriksson.
"He has never complained and never done anything stupid in training. He has always worked hard and been extremely positive.
"I heard there were clubs in Spain, Portugal and England who inquired but I don't know if they were really good offers or not.
"I did speak to some players when I came here and told them I couldn't give them much football. One of them was Georgios. I told him if he found a club willing to discuss things with us that would be okay but he likes the Premier League and he wanted to stay."
