'Gives you hope' - Tyrone Samba takes Man City chance to earn Pep Guardiola call

Manchester City youngster Tyrone Samba has been called up to Pep Guardiola's squad for the first time after two goals against Arsenal

"It's amazing because you see that there is that chance of getting there. It gives you hope to keep on going and try as hard as you can every single day. It just gives you something to work towards when you see your teammates making their debuts."

So spoke Tyrone Samba on Friday night as the Manchester City youngster reflected on Pep Guardiola giving debuts to academy players. Four days on, the 18-year-old could be the next one turning out off the academy production line.

City would rather have a stronger squad in Norway for their seventh Champions League game this season as they look to seal a knockout spot for the next round. A curious mix of absences means they are missing 10 senior stars - 11 if you count Marc Guehi - for a game on an artificial pitch in freezing conditions.

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It will nevertheless be another proud day for the academy. Charlie Gray, Divine Mukasa, Max Alleyne, Kian Noble, Stephen Mfuni join Samba in a 21-man squad, while if you include James Trafford, Phil Foden, Nico O'Reilly and Rico Lewis you have 10 academy graduates who have made the trip.

Guardiola can be dismissive of the games that the Under-21s play given it is nowhere near as testing as, for example, the Spanish youth system where the City boss came through. However, Gray and Mfuni got their senior debuts after impressing for the Under-19s against Real Madrid and Samba was the star for the Under-18s last week in a thumping 5-2 win over Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup.

Samba's story is fascinating in itself and even more so as part of the wider picture at the City Football Academy. The teenager is the son of former professional defender Christopher Samba, and his younger brother Floyd (16) has also come through the age groups with him and played alongside him in midfield on Friday night; "I'm very happy with the family!" coach Oli Reiss said after the game.

They are not even the only footballing brothers in City's academy with an ex-pro for a dad, given Jaden and Reigan Heskey have both made their debuts for the senior team this season. Until 2023, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher's sons Jack and Tyler were also young Blues.

The Samba boys get debriefs from their dad after every game in video calls, telling them what they did well and how they can improve. Judging by the way they combined to down Arsenal, the brothers working together is a big help for City.

"Playing with my brother is amazing," Tyrone told the Manchester Evening News. "The chemistry we have is amazing because we know what we want from each other. It's great to play with him. We've been playing together since we were young so I haven't thought much about it but it is a crazy thing that we are playing with each other in big games like this. "

It could get even crazier if the older brother ends up making an appearance in Bodo, but if he does it will be reward for the progress that he has made through the middle. While normally a winger, he has been used more as a No.10 this season and both the player and his coach like what they see.

Guardiola clearly does too, calling Samba up to the squad for their Champions League game to help cover for all of their absentees. All he will ask is that if the forward does come on, he doesn't stop working for another chance.