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Man City teen Nico O'Reilly admits he 'wasn't expecting to play any games' in pre-season but is now excited for the future with Pep Guardiola insisting the starlet 'can help' star-studded squad

Nico O'Reilly headed to America expecting to sit watching on Manchester City's bench but is ending the trip as the breakout star of Pep Guardiola's youthful squad.

Oscar Bobb has taken the plaudits during City's three friendlies - two defeats and then a 2-2 draw with Barcelona - and is in line for additional game time this season.

Yet with the majority of Guardiola's globetrotters still on holiday, O'Reilly has grabbed the chance to shine and stake a claim for a senior debut over the coming months.

The 19-year-old had shown glimpses of his ability on the first two legs of their tour, in North Carolina and New York, before excelling in a deeper central midfield position alongside Mateo Kovacic against Barca.