"We didn't sign after Dzeko, Jovetic because of Iheanacho"

Pellegrini says Man City sold Dzeko and Jovetic because there was an Iheanacho

– Pellegrini says Man City sold Dzeko and Jovetic because there was an Iheanacho

– The Man City hints on including Iheanacho in his Champions League squad

– Iheanacho says he needs to keep working hard after his hatrick against Aston Villa

The Manchester City coach, Manuel Pellegrini has disclosed that his team didn’t sign a new striker after selling Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic because they had rising star Kelechi Iheanacho in reserve.

The massive compliment from Pellegrini comes on the heels of the 19-year-old’s hattrick in Manchester City’s 4-0 FA Cup win at Aston Villa on Saturday, January 30.

There are also indications that he (Iheanacho) may now be included in Manchester City’s Champions League squad after impressing the manager.

Man City face Dynamo Kiev in the last 16 next month with Sergio Aguero their only fit striker. Wilfried Bony is still struggling with a calf injury and Iheanacho could be set to feature.

Pellegrini said: “It’s a decision we are going to take this week before the last date. Of course he pushes a lot. We need him because of Bony’s injury.

“I see him working every day so I know what he can do. Maybe I received some criticism why we didn’t replace (Stevan) Jovetic and (Edin) Dzeko and I answered we had Kelechi.

“We have a young player who is very important for our club. We have good players who are ready to play and you must keep the options. I know we have a player who deserves space in the squad.”

Iheanacho added on City TV: “I’m so glad to score a hat-trick, it’s a great day in my life but it’s not the greatest day of my life because I need to keep working hard. This is the starting point of my career so I need to keep going.

“It’s important to get an early goal. The penalty was very good, I took my time, it was a very good penalty for me.”

Iheanacho scored a hatrick as City recorded an easy 4-0 victory against a fumbling Villa. He scored in the 4^th, 24^th and 74^th minute before teammate Raheem Sterling added another. Man City will now meet Chelsea in the fifth round at Stamford Bridge.