Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was delighted for hat-trick ace Kelechi Iheanacho after their FA Cup win at Aston Villa.

The 19-year-old's impressive hat-trick fired City into the FA Cup fifth round as they demolished Aston Villa 4-0.

Pellegrini said: "I see him working every day so I know what he can do. Maybe I received some criticism why we didn't replace Jovetic and Dzeko and I answered we had Kelechi.

"I am not thinking about money, I am thinking we have a young player who is very important for our club. We have good players who are ready to play and you must keep the options. I know we have a player who deserves space in the squad.

"It's just one game. I am very happy because he improves every week."

And Pellegrini dropped the biggest hint yet he was ready to include Iheanacho in his Champions League squad ahead of Tuesday's registration deadline.

He said: "It's a decision we are going to take this week before the last date. Of course he pushes a lot. We need him because of Bony's injury."