The Portuguese teenager was outstanding during the midweek victory over West Ham, having a hand in two goals and also clipped the crossbar in a performance that won him man-of-the-match honours and widespread praise.
The 18-year-old wrote his name into the club’s history books a year ago when his goal against Watford meant he became the youngest scorer ever for the Blues aged only 17 years and eight days old.
Now he’s hoping lightning strikes twice as City take on the Hornets in the FA Cup for a second successive year.
“Cup games represent a big opportunity for younger the players at the club and I’m looking forward to being involved in more matches,” said Lopes.
“I was lucky enough to score a goal when I came on against Watford the last time we played them and it’s a night I will never forget. I can remember everything about it from being named in the squad, to the warm up and finally the goal.
“Afterwards all my friends and family were congratulating me and as I say, it’s a night I will always remember. Now we have Watford again and I hope I can play again or be in the squad because it is a team I will always have good memories of playing against.
I really enjoyed playing against West Ham but being able to play alongside some of the fantastic players we have was even better. It was a great night for me and for all the team
...Marcos Lopes...
“It’s a different level playing for the senior team - a high-intensity 90 minutes, but it’s good for me to learn with these players and play these games. I have to do my work and my job and hopefully I’ll get more chances.
“I’m ready and will give one hundred per cent because these are the games when you can make an impression and for players like myself and Emyr Huws who have both been in and around the senior team for the past few weeks, it’s a great chance to improve as players and gain vital experience.”
CITY v WATFORD: With great family prices for the FA Cup 4th round tie with Watford on 25 January (3pm kick-off), the Blues are expecting another bumper gate for the visit of the Hornets.
Last season, almost 47,000 packed the Etihad Stadium for the FA Cup third round tie with Watford and with kids prices starting at just £1 and adult prices starting at just £15, demand is likely to be high as the Blues look to progress to the last 16 of a competition that has seen City feature in two Wembley finals in the past three seasons.
Don’t miss out – details here.
