Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini called up teenage defender Dedryck Boyata for yesterday's victory over Stoke City.

The Belgian defender was amongst the substitutes for the 2-0 win.

"This has to be one of the best Christmas times ever," Boyata exclaimed to City's website.

"It was so exciting to be told I would be in the squad for the game yesterday.

"The manager's staff said that he has a track record of blooding young players if he thinks they are good enough and there were a couple of us on the bench against Stoke. Some of us have been taking part in training sessions - we do have a lot of injuries - and it gives you that additional bit of confidence.

"Match day with the first team is so different than anything I have experienced before. There is a real buzz and intensity that you don't realise is there until you are part of it. Just the wall of noise from the crowd is quite amazing.

"I feel as though I have learned so much from the whole experience. I was desperate to get on the pitch to make my parents proud but maybe one day soon."