Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is delighted seeing Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer coming through.

All three players are academy graduates.

Foden told the club's website: “There is no secret. I think you don't just get into the City team without deserving it with this kind of manager.

“You have to show something and you have to work hard in training.

“The likes of Rico and Cole, they have worked extremely hard to get where they are now and to get the rewards they are getting.

“It is really nice to see because I know how they feel, I have been in their shoes before.

“It is nice for me to see academy players with me playing in the first team."

Foden, who trains with the duo day-in and day-out, admits he's happy to be a sounding board for them as they look to carve out a similar career to his.

He says he's eager to give them the 'right advice' as they quiz him about the do's and don'ts of being successful in the sky blue.

He added: “I have been through it before and I understand the situation they are in.

“Hopefully when I speak to them, I can give them the right advice.

“In this place it is all about working hard and you will get your rewards."