Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was delighted with Nedum Onuoha's performance in victory over Birmingham City.
Onuoha, being linked with a World Cup call-up by Nigeria, was outstanding at right-back after spending much of the season injured or unable to force his way into the side.
Mancini told City's website: "Nedum played a good game and scored a very good goal, so I'm very happy for him. He stayed on the bench a long time and I was sorry for him.
"Now he's playing very well and it's important he continues. At the moment I'm sorry for Shaun Wright-Phillips - Adam Johnson is playing very well. But we'll need Shaun and all the players for the next five games."