Man City have unleashed an exciting new talent - 'He makes the fans smile'

Ryan McAidoo scored on his Manchester City debut as the Blues thrashed Exeter City 10-1 in their FA Cup third round tie at the Etihad, and the teenager certainly impressed

Pep Lijnders couldn't help but smile. The Manchester City assistant manager was pressed into media duties after his side's thumping 10-1 FA Cup victory over League One outfit Exeter City and the topic of conversation had turned towards Ryan McAidoo.

The teenager was handed his City debut from the off against the League One Grecians and grabbed his opportunity with both hands. He produced a vibrant display and capped it with a goal and a 95-minute showing.

Lijnders had spoken glowingly of the City prospect and as he finished his answer the Dutchman took a minute, paused, and beamed: "He gives me a smile and I think he gives the fans a smile," he concluded.

McAidoo was one of several academy players who were on the pitch as the full time whistle sounded. Graduates Rico Lewis and Nico O'Reilly have been first team regulars, James Trafford was in goal, Max Alleyne started and scored, Divine Mukasa and Stephen Mfuni came off the bench.

Of those seven, McAidoo is the youngest. He won't turn 18 until the summer but he already looks a player capable of stepping up.

City spent £1million to bring him to the Etihad when signing him from Chelsea 18 months ago and he has impressed in the UEFA Youth League as well as earning England Under-18 honours.

He's trained regularly with the first team squad this season and has impressed Pep Guardiola and the coaching staff.

"The guy wants constantly the ball and the moment he faces the goal he is so dangerous," said Lijnders. "He can go inside, he can go outside. He keeps the ball in difficult situations to find the last pass and to shoot.

"This drive of always wanting to create, especially how we play with the guys on the outside to bring the ball there a lot of times, we want this kind of player.

"We always say that if you bring guys early, debut early, train early with the first team at a young age then they can adapt quicker to the intensity of the first team and make these steps.

"Ryan you see glimpses, not only glimpses, the way he follows Erling all the time, the way he chased, the way he came back, and he didn't play for quite a long time before today because he is always training with us."

McAidoo took his goal well and celebrated with his dad in the stands. It will have been a proud moment for the family, you sense there are many more to come.