Pep Guardiola applauds Micah Hamilton’s display in Man City’s win in Belgrade
Manchester City’s Micah Hamilton, second right, is congratulated by team-mates after scoring the opening goal (Darko Vojinovic/AP)
Pep Guardiola hailed the performance of Micah Hamilton after the youngster’s dream debut in Manchester City’s Champions League win at Red Star Belgrade.
The 20-year-old academy graduate and former ballboy marked his first senior appearance with a fine goal as the holders wrapped up the group stage with a 3-2 win in Serbia.
He also won a penalty while fellow prospect Oscar Bobb got on the scoresheet after Guardiola rotated his squad for what was a dead rubber for already-qualified City.
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“What a goal and what a game,” Guardiola said of Hamilton at his post-match press conference.
“I am so happy for him. He is training often with us and we saw his skills one against one. He scored a fantastic goal and made a penalty.
“When he could not make one against one he made extra passes and defensively was aggressive.
“Congratulations to all at the academy for the last years. How many players came up, how many players we sold who are playing already in the Premier League and Championship, and more.”
Kalvin Phillips scored a penalty for City (Darko Vojinovic/AP)
The penalty Hamilton won late in the game was converted by Kalvin Phillips, who was making a rare start for the treble winners, and made the game safe between Red Star replies from Hwang In-beom and Aleksandar Katai.
England midfielder Phillips has struggled to establish himself since joining the club from Leeds last year.
Guardiola said: “He is an
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