Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has backed youngster Kelechi Iheanacho to continue to learn from his senior teammates at the club.

The Chilean boss thinks that the experience of the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Vincent Kompany will help Iheanacho on his way to becoming a successful professional footballer.

The 19-year old showed glimpses of his talent by scoring a hat-trick in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Aston Villa on Saturday and will continue to gain a strong education from such senior players at the Etihad Stadium.

Pellegrini said: "I think he must learn from Sergio, from David Silva, from Vincent Kompany – from all the experienced players who can guide him.

"It's important that he learns from players like these, not just in terms of their skills with the ball, but what it takes to be a professional footballer.

"But in his position, of course, working with Sergio every day, I think that is very important for him. That's why I decided to keep him here last season rather than send him out on loan because he wanted to play every day with all those players.

"When I see him working with us each and every day, I know what kind of player we have. When I saw Kelechi, I was sure."