Micah Hamilton opens up on 'surreal' Man City journey and the two players who have made it easier

Micah Hamilton has come a long way in a short time. The EDS captain made a dream first-team debut last month, scoring in a Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade.

The 20-year-old was also part of the squad that won the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. And he started the New Year by playing in an FA Cup match against Huddersfield Town.

Sharing the big stage with fellow young players like Jacob Wright, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis shows the ongoing impact of City's Academy set-up. Now he's the next star able to learn from the stars who have won the Treble and are now world champions.

He told City's website: "Looking back on the experiences, you know, you kind of dream of doing things like that. But going right back to when I was first named in the senior squad for the game at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup last September, I remember that I was just so happy to be around the squad and to see the atmosphere and what goes on."

He recalled how Brian Barry-Murphy, the EDS head coach, announced his inclusion in the squad. "He was shouting, and everyone else was hearing then clapping and congratulating me.

"I tried to take everything in from an experience point of view. Staying in the team hotel, the team talk, the warm-ups, the travel to the stadium and the atmosphere at the game... it was all amazing and really good preparation for what's happened since."

"It has all been a bit surreal really."

Hamilton also shared that having fellow Academy graduates Lewis and Bobb around has made his transition to the first team smoother. He said every player in Pep Guardiola's squad has helped him feel at home.

"I think at first maybe I was a little bit overawed which I guess is understandable, but because I've trained