Eriksson Repays Ex-Toon Midfielder!

The former Germany international, whose contract expires at the end of the season, made just a dozen appearances in his debut season at the City of Manchester Stadium, but his displays this term have propelled City into a position to make a concerted push for a Champions League berth.

Hamann will miss his first game of the campaign this weekend against Tottenham through suspension, and it may well provide Eriksson with a timely reminder of the 34-year-old's importance to his side.

Eriksson: "Unfortunately we will be missing Didi on Sunday and it will be an interesting test to see what we can do without him because he has been a big brother or father of the team so far. A lot of play goes through him.

"He organises everything out there. I have been positively surprised how he has kept playing well all season. He is very important to us and has run up and down the pitch too winning a lot of possession.

"I suppose his agent will soon knock on the door with regards to next season and I will always open it. We will see what happens but if he goes on like he has been then he is important to us.

"He is a great calming influence. Didi is a maestro in his position."

He made 31 appreances for Newcastle in 1998/99 scoring five goals.

He was a controversial signing to say the least. Didn't like Newcastle as a city and doubted Newcastle United's ambitions.

Great player, but wanted to move on and ended up at Liverpool. Born in Waldassen. Won a Champions League winners medal with Liverpool in 2005.