Lifelong Manchester City fan, Tommy Doyle, admitted his first team debut was a pinch yourself moment as he lined up alongside his heroes against West Ham United.
It was a proud day for the 17-year-old grandson of City legends Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe, who started in midfield alongside David Silva and Rodri as Pep Guardiola’s side eased to a 4-1 victory in Nanjing.
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And Doyle admitted it was a ‘crazy’ experience to be sharing the field with players of that quality at such a young age.
“I’m delighted to have made my debut for the first team,” he said.
“Obviously a lot of hard work goes into that through the younger age groups and to play today was a very proud moment for me.
“I’m just looking forward to the next game and continuing to train with them.
“Being so young you’re learning all the time. Playing next to them [Silva and Rodri] and De Bruyne in the second half, it’s crazy when you look over and see some of the calibre.
“If you think you can’t do it, that’s when you’ll struggle so you just have to settle in. You’re playing with some of the best players in the world, so you have to be confident.”
