Darius Vassell has again declared Manchester City's players are fully behind under pressure boss Sven Goran Eriksson.

He said: "It has been good.

"When he was coming here I was always hoping that he would've been the choice - I was happy."

Vassell, who joined City from Villa for £2million in July 2005, made 25 starts and six substitute appearances this term.

"It was difficult for me at the start of the season but I managed to get in around Christmas and got myself involved with the squad and I enjoyed it," he added.

Vassell denied that the speculation engulfing the club was affecting the players.

"We are all professionals and we're all doing our jobs," he said.