Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has handed Kelechi Iheanacho his first start for the first time as a City player in a competitive game, with the 19 - year - old named among the 11 players to face Crystal Palace in the Capital One Cup.

Against Sunderland in the third round back in September, the Nigeria U20 international was poised to start against the Black Cats, only for him to pick up a minor injury during training days leading up to the clash.

With an eye on the upcoming Premier League tie with Norwich City and the Champions League game away to Sevilla, the Chilean gaffer has decided to rest some of his first - team stars and Iheanacho has benefited from that decision.

The Taye Academy graduate has featured 6 times off the bench for Man City in the Premier League so far this season.

Iheanacho has scored against tonight’s opponents in the Premier League, his only goal in the colours of City.

Photo Credit : mcfc.co.uk