Manchester City Under-18s head coach Ben Wilkinson hailed the impact of substitute Jaden Heskey after the striker's second half brace helped steer them to a fine 3-0 FA Youth Cup third round win over Blackburn on Wednesday night.

A 72nd minute replacement at the Academy Stadium, Heskey – the son of former England striker Emile – made an immediate impact against our Lancashire rivals, bagging two goals inside a minute, to add to Will Dickson's first half opener.

“I'm really pleased for Jaden," said the City head coach.

“He works incredibly hard in training and has probably not had as many opportunities as he would have liked this season so far.

“But he was the perfect player for the game.

“Jaden brought physicality, he receives the ball really well in the front line and brings others into play.

“He worked incredibly hard and got into the box with two good finishes.

“That will be great for his confidence and in the last few games he has been great for us."