Under-19s lead development coach Barry-Murphy revealed that Hamilton was informed of his inclusion back at the CFA at the start of the week, which prompted joyous scenes among the EDS and Under-18s players.
“Carlos Vicens told Micah he was in the squad on Monday after training in the gym and there was a huge roar of celebration,” said Barry-Murphy ahead of the senior team’s 20:00 (UK) kick-off tonight.
“The year before last we had a lot of academy graduates going over to the first team environment. Because of the success of the team last year, it was much more difficult.
“Oscar Bobb is there but it’s probably not going to be as common as it was. So for Micah to get that involvement is inspirational for all the young players in the academy and especially as he’s Manchester born and bred and local. I think that means a lot.”
The skilful attacking midfielder has progressed through the Club’s age groups with great distinction since joining City as an Under-9.
Blessed with impressive versatility, Hamilton, who was also on the bench for the Newcastle v City Carabao Cup game earlier this season, can operate either through the middle but also out wide where he has harnessed his blistering pace to hurt defences at all age groups.
With a chance to impress Pep Guardiola and co again this week, Barry-Murphy urged Hamilton to be himself and showcase his undoubted talent among the first team group, alongside fellow graduate Oscar Bobb.
“You can see signs of them displaying the stuff that we’ve seen as often as possible because it is quite an intimidating place,” added Barry-Murphy.
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“We trained with them on Sunday and for myself and the players, you’re under the eyes of the big boss as such and it takes a lot of repetition to get used to that.
“We saw signs with Oscar at Newcastle that he was doing stuff that we had seen, however small a sample. The same goes for Micah really – [showing] his unique ability to beat players 1 v 1 and really he’s almost like an old-fashioned player, a street footballer, his skills are incredible and we just want to see that as soon as we can in that environment.”
