Nielsen receives Kerr backing

Goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen has been given a timely boost as he prepares to help Manchester City secure a top–four place.

Nielsen will earn promotion next season and become the Faroe Islands number one when they begin their Euro 2012 qualifiers.

He will replace long–serving Jakup Mikkelsen, who has now turned 39, with Northern Ireland one of their opponents in the group.

The promise has been made by Faroe Islands manager Brian Kerr, the former Republic of Ireland boss.

Kerr believes Nielsen can rise to the challenge at City even if the club are given permission by the Premier League to draft in another goalkeeper on loan, with Sunderland’s Marton Fulop a possibility.

The 23–year–old played the last 17 minutes of the 0–0 draw with Arsenal after Shay Given dislocated his shoulder.

He was called up as Joe Hart is on loan at Birmingham City and will remain there, according to their manager Alex McLeish.