The Nigerian starlet was brought on as a late substitute in the record-breaking win over the Hornets and now he’s eager to play his part again as City look to maintain their perfect start to the Barclays Premier League season.
One of the most impressive performers on the pre-season tour to Australia and Vietnam, Kelechi earned his promotion to the first-team squad and Manuel Pellegrini has gone on record on many occasions to extol the virtues of his 18-year old striker.
With Wilfried Bony facing a race to be fit for this weekend’s clash at Selhurst Park, Iheanacho told mcfc.co.uk that he’s ready to fire if called upon.
“It’s been going great, I’ve been training with the first-team and the guys have been great with me and I’m really enjoying it,” Kelechi smiled.
“It was a great feeling to make my debut against Watford. I was hoping to come on – the manager introduced me and I was very happy to come on.
“I’m hoping for more Premier League minutes – I have to work hard in training and then hopefully the manager will introduce me again so I can show what I can do.”
Crystal Palace have enjoyed a blistering start to the Premier League season, defeating Aston Villa, Norwich City and Chelsea in the early weeks of the campaign.
That means Saturday’s game will be a meeting of the division’s top two and the Eagles’ form has certainly caught Kelechi’s eye.
“Crystal Palace have had a really good start so it will not be an easy game,” he warned.
“They’re doing great, they’re all doing their jobs and there’s always a great atmosphere at Selhurst Park – it will be hard but I think we can win.”
Although he’s only clocked up a minute of Premier League football so far, Kelechi’s football education has been rigorous over the last few months as he’s trained alongside some of the continent’s best players.
It’s an experience he’s enjoyed and benefitted from, particularly rubbing shoulders with one of the league’s most impressive performers in the opening four rounds of fixtures.
“David Silva is a great player, a top player – high level with a lot of experience,” Iheanacho declared.
“He’s had an unbelievable start but that’s no surprise to anyone – we all know what a good player he is and it’s good for me as a striker to have someone like that in the team.
“I’m learning new things every day in training – it’s been a dream come true playing with these players.
“With Sergio, Yaya, David and Sami – it can only improve you as a player to play with these guys.”
