Kelechi Iheanacho Hopes To Replace Injured Samir Nasri In City's Champions League Squad

Flying Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has described the champions league as the best club tournament any player would dream to participate in, and has said that he will help Manchester City go far if he's registered for the tournament.

The Nigerian international wants to replace Samir Nasri, who has been ruled out of City's Champions League squad after reports that the Frenchman could be out until around the semi-final stage. 

The 19-year-old, who has scored four goals from just 275 minutes of action this season in the English Premier League, was not registered for the group phase of the Champions League but says the prospect of playing European football does not scare him.

Iheanacho who has one senior international cap to his name also believes he can help Manchester City in all competitions.

“Football is just the same,” Iheanacho told the Manchester Evening News. “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.

“Everyone has been great to me. 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.”

Iheanacho, who could make his fourth start for Manchester City against Everton in the Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday with Wilfred Bony out with a calf injury, says Sergio Aguero is one of the finest strikers in the world and feels working alongside him doesn't come with pressure as it is key to his development.

The Nigerian youngster added: “I feel great training with Sergio. He’s a great player. Good technique. Good finish. Good position. Good runs off the defender off the ball.

“He’s very intelligent, a good striker, a great finisher. I’m happy training with him and playing alongside him.

“I learn from him as well, both in the training and in the games. The I work hard and improve on things that I don’t do.

“It’s not a pressure to me. I just have to work really hard and when I get a game prove myself. Young players need to work and show their manager they really want to be in the first team.” completesports