Ben Wilkinson says he is ‘really pleased’ for Elite Development Squad striker Justin Oboavwoduo who bagged a hat-trick in our 3-0 win over Sparta Prague on Wednesday afternoon.

Despite a fiery affair with the Czech Republic side, Oboavwoduo put City ahead inside 10 minutes with a clinical volley.

The number nine doubled City’s lead shortly before the interval and then topped off his treble late in the second half with another composed finish.

His determination in front of goal helped City pick up a second successive win in the UEFA Youth League following a 4-2 defeat to Inter Milan and a 4-0 triumph over Slovan Bratislava.

MATCH REPORT | CITY 3-0 SPARTA PRAGUE - YOUTH LEAGUE

And Wilkinson, who is coaching the young Academy prospect for a third successive season, believes Oboavwoduo’s impressive performance was a result of his personal growth both on and off the pitch.

“I’m Really pleased for him [Oboavwoduo. I’ve known Justin for a long time and I know what he is capable of,” said Wilkinson.

“I think he would probably admit it’s been a difficult six to 12 months for him. For some of the highs he has hit in the past and he’s probably had to do a little bit of soul-searching in the last month or so.

“He’s not played as many games as he would have wanted to so I’m delighted for him to come into the team. I thought his effort without the ball was really pleasing, the intensity that he played at.

“And I know that when he gets in front of goal he’s going to score. So yeah really pleased for him and hope he can kick on from here.”

Watch Ben Wilkinson’s full post-match interview via the video above…