Sports
Iheanacho ready for first Premiership start –Pellegrini
In from Nifemi Daniel . . .
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has expressed confidence in the ability of newly Super Eagles invite, Kelechi Iheanacho, to start his first Premier League game when Norwich visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
With top scorer Sergio Aguero injured, Iheanacho is competing with the more experienced Wilfried Bony for the position as the starting striker.
The 19-year-old, who struck as a substitute on his top-flight bow at Crystal Palace last month, marked his first start by scoring one goal and creating two more in the 5-1 Capital One Cup victory over the Londoners on Wednesday.
“In the way he demonstrates what he can do, of course he has an option to start,” said the City manager.
“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. Unfortunately for him he had a very serious injury in his ankles.
Read also: Oliseh extends invitation to Iheanacho
“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.”
Bony has scored three goals in his last four games and Pellegrini feels the Ivorian’s hold-up play is vital for City.
“Bony is very important, not only for Kelechi, but for the team,” he explained. “He is a striker that prepares the play very well and supports the ball. In the way Kelechi plays or Kun [Aguero] plays, those seconds he gives re very important for the other strikers to arrive into the right position to try and score are very important.”
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