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Southampton v Man City: Kalvin Phillips 'ready' to start for Pep Guardiola's team

Pep Guardiola has declared midfielder Kalvin Phillips "ready" to start for Manchester City ahead of their EFL Cup quarter-final with Southampton.

He has since come off the bench twice in victories over Chelsea in the Premier League and FA Cup.

"I think [it takes] a bit of time for some aspects but he's ready and we are delighted about that," said Guardiola.

"I think he's an intelligent player - normally holding midfielders are so clever and intelligent - and has an incredible work ethic in the training sessions.

"He was educated at Leeds with Marcelo Bielsa, with Jesse Marsch [as well] but especially Marcelo, the fact of the commitment every training session, every game.