Manchester City captain Richard Dunne is set to be rewarded with a new lucrative contract, according to his manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has described the Republic of Ireland defender as a "big brother" to the younger squad members.

Dunne has two years to run on his current deal, but Eriksson believes he is due a pay rise, despite admitting he was less than impressed when watching the Tallaght man just a few years ago.

The 28-year-old has now overcome the indiscipline and fitness problems that stifled his career at Everton and later at City to become arguably his team's most influential figure.

"I hope Richard will sign a new contract for us very soon," Eriksson said today. "He is our captain and a very good one at that. He is very important for us. He is a like a 'big brother' to the young players.

"When I saw him four or five years ago, I was not that impressed.

"Looking at him recently, he has been fantastic. Today, he is one of the best in the country in his position."

Eriksson will welcome back Elano for this Saturday's Premiership clash with Bolton, after the Brazilian recovered from a hamstring injury.

German Dietmar Hamann also returns after suspension but Dunne's international teammate Stephen Ireland sits out the first match of his three-match ban, after being sent off in the defeat by Tottenham at the weekend.