The Premier League confirmed this afternoon that City finished sixth in the table - with all the teams above them having already qualified for Europe. 

Sven-Goran Eriksson's side had been worried that Fulham would pip them to the place after having captain Richard Dunne sent off in their final match.

"It's like a dream come true," Eriksson told the club's official website.

"Our dream to play in Europe has been strong all season. At one point we were almost sure to get there, at other points we have been almost out of it but now this news is absolutely fantastic."

City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who is reportedly set on getting rid of the former England manager, kept his response to a minimum, merely saying he was "delighted".

Thaksin is currently carrying out a full review of Eriksson's first season in charge.

City fans have made their support for the Swede clear in a massive rally at their Eastlands home, pointing out that he delivered a top-10 finish, which was the pre-season aim.