Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho calm despite Pep Guardiola praise

Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheancho has told BBC Sport he will not get carried away by his outstanding start to the season.

Coach Pep Guardiola hailed Iheancho for his “sense of goals” after three strikes in his first seven appearances and showed his confidence in the 19-year-old by allowing Wilfried Bony to leave on loan.

The Nigeria international showed why Guardiola had no problem in thrusting him into the Manchester derby after Sergio Aguero’s suspension, scoring the winner at Old Trafford.

Iheanaho said he was delighted with his start but was determined to keep improving.

“I’m not letting all the praise get to my head because I still have a lot to learn in this game,” Iheanacho, who has scored three goals in seven appearances this season, said.

“It’s been a very progressive period for me at the club, but playing alongside stars like Sergio, Yaya [Toure] and other great players provides a big chance to keep working hard.

“I’m definitely learning, quietly listening and watching others closely every day — I know in doing that I will achieve bigger things in my career.

“Our manager has confidence in me and has been encouraging me. All I want to do right now is to keep learning under him and work hard for the club.”