Sven-Goran Eriksson’s job could get a lifeline if Manchester City secure a surprise route into European football next season as UEFA have revealed that England have gained an extra place in the UEFA Cup competition after finishing top of the fair play standings.

The Citizens are fifth in the domestic fair play league, however all the four teams above them have already gained places in Europe.

In 2004, the Eastlands outfit had qualified for Europe via the same route that takes the team into the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.

It remains to be seen, if City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who is reportedly unhappy with the Swede, has a change of heart if they qualify for Europe and keeps Eriksson at the City of Manchester Stadium as currently Luiz Felipe Scolari is persistently linked with the job.