NIGEL de Jong became the first City player to book his ticket to the World Cup in South Africa next summer when Holland sealed top slot in Group Nine at the weekend.

The Blues midfielder scored his first senior international goal in the 2-1 victory over Iceland that put the Dutch out of sight of their qualifying rivals.

They are now eleven points clear of closest pursuers Scotland and certain of a spot at next summer's South African jamboree.

"My job as a footballer is not one you can do for 30 or 40 years you have to enjoy every moment of it and qualifying is really satisfying," declared the holding midfielder who joined the Blues from Hamburg in January.

De Jong is likely to be one of many City players heading for Africa in 2010. England are also on the verge of qualification which will in all likelihood lead to Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Gareth Barry dusting off their passports for the summer.

It will also offer Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, and Joe Hart the incentive to have a big season in an attempt to force their way into Fabio Capello's plans.

Onuoha, who this summer bids farewell to the under 21s in the European Championships, is clearly up for any challenge thrown his way.

"It is an exciting time at City, hopefully this will be the start of something special and I will be honoured if I am a part of it," he said. "To get into the team you have to have that ambition and be on the same level they are.

"For as many big players come in, you have to raise your game yourself if you want to be a part of the Manchester City team that people want to see."

Addition

Barry was City's first summer signing and Onuoha feels the England midfielder will be a huge addition to the side.

"I am excited about playing with him next season. It is a big challenge for him and for us but the type of player he is I expect him to make a big difference," he added.

The Blues could also have a healthy South American contingent at the next World Cup led by British record signing Robinho and his Brazilian team-mate Elano though both have been the subject of constant speculation in their homeland since the end of the Premier League season.

Elano wants assurances about his future before he returns and several clubs in Italy are monitoring his situation.

"I had a meeting with the board and I asked about the signings they are going to make and whether there was still a place for me in the set-up," confirmed the midfielder after Brazil's victory over Uruguay.

"I just asked them to be straight with me. If I can renew my contract now, I'll stay. If not, I want to leave and look for another club. There are a number of things happening, but now is not the moment to talk about this because I'm focused on Brazil."

If Elano is after a new contract he is not likely to be accommodated for he has two years to run on his present deal.

Meanwhile, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has again been having his two-penneth on Robinho this time declaring that the player will only stay at City if they keep spending.

"If City fulfil their promise of signing big players, Robinho will stay there because he dreams of becoming the world's best player," he said. "If that does not happen, I think Santos will have the chance to bring him back."

City could also have plenty of representation in South Africa if Ireland qualify. Shay Given and Richard Dunne starred in their draw with Bulgaria at the weekend and boss Giovanni Trapattoni is still trying to tempt Stephen Ireland out of international exile.

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