James McAtee looks the part, Liam Delap doesn't and both things should excite Man City

It looked like Pep Guardiola was up to his old tricks again.

Midway through the second half, with Manchester City 4-1 up against Championship leaders Fulham in the fourth round of the FA Cup, a bumper Etihad Stadium crowd was keen to see youth team standouts Liam Delap and James McAtee.

Guardiola promptly threw on Raheem Sterling (Fulham’s beleaguered defence must have been delighted) and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Yes, Pep, we know. But getting players in match rhythm is pretty low down the list of elements that make up FA Cup magic. Let’s be honest, it’s not on the list at all.

Nevertheless, shortly afterwards, the City faithful had their wish as hulking forward Delap and diminutive playmaker McAtee readied themselves on the touchline.

They might have been granted short cameos but, as the below clock watch shows, the two teenagers got through plenty of work to delight the home fans

77th minute - The Etihad rose as McAtee and Delap stood alongside Bernardo Silva and received final instructions. Speculation over a desire for increased playing minutes surrounded the long-term contract extension McAtee signed this week - as good an explanation as any for Guardiola frantically pointing to the watch on his outstretched arm as he left the midfielder in no doubt over his demands.

Delap simply stood there looking massive alongside Bernardo, who grimaced a little in the face of an absolutely filthy Manchester afternoon. Don’t worry, Bernardo, you never completely grow to love them.

78th minute - Straight away the new men were right into the thick of the action. Delap produced a barrelling piece of hold-up play, occupying Fulham defenders and slipping the ball to McAtee, who was fouled by Anthony Knockaert. On the evidence of the