Manuel Pellegrini heaps praise on Kelechi Iheanacho (Video)

Manuel Pellegrini claims he was ready to unleash teenager Kelechi Iheanacho on unsuspecting defences a year ago. But the Manchester City boss was unable to call on the highly-rated Nigerian striker because of a combination of work permit and injury issues. Iheanacho, made a big impression on his first City start with a goal and two assists in Wednesday's 5-1 striker thrashing of Crystal Palace.

Pellegrini: “I work with him every day so I know what he can give to our team. Last season I think he was ready to do it.

“We talk about his work permits but unfortunately for him he had a very serious injury in his ankles. That is why he couldn’t play last season. Now he is ready and I am very happy for him to demonstrate what he can do. But it is just one game, he must repeat, he must improve.”