Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was full of praise for rising Nigerian star Kelechi Iheanacho after he scored a goal and added two assists in his first competitive start for the club.

The teenage forward was also voted the man-of-the-match as City decimated visiting Crystal Palace 5-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the League Cup.

Pellegrini, who believes the 19-year-old star still has much room for improvement, was however delighted with the goal he scored, and even more so with his sublime assists.

"Kelechi for me is not just a finisher," said Pellegrini after the game. "He played very well. He must improve his control."

"But he always played with his head up so he made two important assists. He set up Kevin de Bruyne and after that, with more space, made a goal for Manu Garcia."

The Chilean tactician added: "He can play behind the striker and arrive in the box to finish, as he did for his goal. It was very important for him to make a very good performance - he is a very good player.

"He is not just a striker, because he assisted two goals, and I am very happy for him. He must continue working. He has a lot of things to improve but I am very happy for him."

The former Real Madrid manager has a decision to make about whether to retain the youngster when Norwich visit in the league on Saturday. He made it clear though that Iheanacho would be getting a lot of game time.

"I don't have any doubts - I see how he works every day. His personality is also one of the important things. He can play a lot of games in the Premier League.

"I am sure he will improve a lot - he is very young."

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