Sports

Iheanacho keen on fighting for regular shirt

Published

8 years ago

September 25, 2016

Iheanacho keen on fighting for regular shirt

Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, is keen to fight for regular starting shirts in the star studded Manchester City despite getting a chance under manager Pep Guardiola.

The 19-year-old scored 14 times and produced seven assists last season even though 25 of his 36 appearances were as a substitute.

That feat saw him finish as City’s third-highest scorer in all competitions, behind Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne.

His blistering form this season – which includes a goal and assist in City’s 2-1 derby win at Manchester United – has earned universal plaudits again, but he refuses to get carried away.

“I’m not letting all the praise get to my head because I still have a lot to learn in this game,” Iheanacho, who has scored three goals in seven appearances this season, told BBC Sport.

“It’s been a very progressive period for me at the club, but playing alongside stars like Sergio [Aguero], Yaya [Toure] and other great players provides a big chance to keep working hard.

“I’m definitely learning, quietly listening and watching others closely every day – I know in doing that I will achieve bigger things in my career.”

Iheanacho who has scored three goals in five appearances for Nigeria since making his senior debut against Swaziland in November 2015 added that the battle for shirts is becoming tougher.

“We have experienced players in the team and as someone who is learning and improving, I am happy to take my chance when the manager calls,” Iheanacho said.

“Our manager has confidence in me and has been encouraging me. All I want to do right now is to keep learning under him and work hard for the club.”

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