Sven's Quick Answer To Barton Jibe!

Eriksson, asked about Barton's comments said, deadpan: "I really don't have any feelings about last season because I did not follow City then.

"But if that is the case, I would like to say `Thank you.'"

You have to laugh, don't yer!

Steve McClaren is not afraid to admit he has learned at least one valuable lesson from Sven-Goran Eriksson - how to stay calm.

McClaren succeeded Eriksson as England coach immediately after the 2006 World Cup and, after a sticky start, is now looking like following the Swede's lead in guiding the Three Lions into a major tournament.

During five years together, McClaren and Eriksson, now enjoying extraordinary success at Manchester City, built up a close relationship and remain in contact, although discussions between the pair never stray towards on-going events on the international scene.

And in the high-pressure world of football management, McClaren has found Eriksson's relaxed style to be a useful blueprint to follow.

"I always found Sven to be very relaxed," said McClaren. "He brought a calmness to the job at a time when England needed it and I learned that from him.

"He looks just as chilled now, although when you are winning matches as he is, anyone would look relaxed.

"I still talk to him now, just as I keep in touch with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. But we don't talk about England. It is different priorities now."