Kelechi Iheanacho Is Key To Manchester City's Future- Manuel Pellegrini

Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini has disclosed that Nigeria's Kelechi Iheanacho was the reason he don't buy a replacement for both Jovetic and Edin Dzeko who left the Ethiad stadium last summer. 

The 19-year old shot his side to the FA Cup 5th round following his hattrick against a fellow EPL

side, Aston Villa on Saturday in the 4th round of the championship.

Pellegrini has praised the UAE 2013 Golden Boot winner’s development since he promoted the young player to the first team at the beginning of the season, saying the Nigeria attacker has great future in football.

“He’s a very good young player. That’s why we kept him in the squad this season and that’s why we didn’t replace Jovetic and Edin Dzeko because I see him working every day and I know how important he can be,” the Chilean was quoted as saying on the club’s official website on Sunday.

The 62-year-old former Real Madrid boss commended Iheanacho’s work ethic, saying he had no regrets keeping faith with the player.

“I see him working every day so I know what he can do,” the Daily Mail quoted the Chilean as saying.

“Maybe I received some criticism why we didn’t replace (Stevan) Jovetic and (Edin) Dzeko and I answered we had Kelechi.”

Iheanacho expressed his delight at scoring three goals in Saturday’s encounter. But he admits he still has a lot to prove, insisting he is not out to send Argentina star Sergio Aguero out of the first team.

Manchester Evening News quoted the youngster as saying, “I won’t be kicking Sergio Aguero out of the team just yet!”

“I am happy to play together with Sergio and hope I can do it for many more years at City.”