Nigerian youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, still dreams of playing in the UEFA Champions League with his English side, Manchester City.
The 19-year-old was initially omitted from City’s 25-man squad for the competition with more experienced teammates preferred instead.
He was the victim of UEFA’s squad limits, which restrict every club to 17 foreign stars in their 25-man squad.
But the latest injury setback to French winger, Samir Nasir, could be a blessing in disguise for the Nigerian who has so far impressed this season.
The City no 72 has scored four goals in 275 minutes of action this season against Nasri’s sole strike in eight games.
City can submit an altered selection after the transfer window closes, with many suggesting Iheanacho should be the man to replace the 28-year-old.
“Football is just the same,” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Most Valuable Player said.
“It’s a big tournament and I haven’t played in it before, so you just have to do your best and keep doing what you are doing.
“It’s the same players I train with, so it’s not going to be easy but I really have to help my team if I’m in.”
Iheanacho has performed superbly whenever he’s been given an opportunity this season and could be forgiven for feeling somewhat frustrated by Manuel Pellegrini’s reluctance to give him an extended run in the side, yet his focus is purely on the positives.
“Everyone has been great to me,” he says. “Yaya and everyone. They talk to me every time in the dressing room and on the field of play, they speak to me very well.
“I’m happy to work with them and play with great players. They talk to me every time, so every one of them is good.
“The facilities here – everything is great. The pitch, the environment. Great people as well are working here. It’s a very great place to train and to play. I love staying here.”
