The 20-year-old England international has emerged as a key member of Pep Guardiola’s squad and seems to grow in stature each passing week.
The grounded youngster has moved into a more familiar midfield role in recent weeks and has given City’s engine room added physicality and energy.
“I’m loving it,” smiled O’Reilly. “I’m loving every moment. It’s tough and a challenging environment, but I’m embracing and loving every minute of it.
“It’s definitely surreal to be in situations like this and in a team like this. I just keep my head down, keep going and act like it’s normal.
“It’s what I’m going to do until the end of the season - try and impact and help the team out as much as I can.”
O’Reilly’s brace against Newcastle ensured the Blues took maximum points last time out.
It also showed the youngster has an eye for a vital goal or two when needed, adding to his value in the team yet further.
“It was a great feeling to be able to score those two goals and win the game,” he said.
“Obviously, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates there. Everyone works so hard on and off the ball. It’s a great feeling to have a moment like this in a title race.
“[I’m] adding a bit more physicality in [midfield] and I’m winning duels - I think it helps these players out so much who are so good on the ball and dictate the game.
“It’s just about breaking up the play in the middle and get those players on the ball… any of these players - I think it helps out and that’s what I’m there to do. I’m enjoying it!
“We just need to keep applying pressure now - every three points counts. We just need to keep going - we still have to play Arsenal here.
“There are teams still fighting and chasing - it’s a tough situation to be in but we just need to stick together and keep going.
“There’s a lot more pressure because we go into games knowing we need to win.
“All we need is three points. It’s about keeping a clear head and mind - keeping our heads down, working hard on the pitch - that’s what it comes down to.
“The leaders and captains will get everyone ready for the game and hype us up. It gets us all in the right head space and mindset to go out on the pitch and put a performance in to get the three points.
“You learn so much [from them]. It helps you out so much going into games and having players’ trust – players who are world class players and have so much experience, played in every competition and won everything. It’s a big deal.
“[Elland Road] is a tough place to go to. They will want to win as well.
“We know it’s going to be tough – like every game in the Premier League. I remember when we played them at home – we know it’s going to be tough. We need to put a performance in to get the three points.”
Be at City v Nottingham Forest!
We welcome Forest to the Etihad Stadium at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 4 March.
And you can be there to see it as Pep Guardiola’s City continue to chase Premier League glory.
Tickets for this game are now on sale to all fans, starting from just £43 for adults and £23 for U18s.
Or, if you fancy something more special, hospitality packages start from just £199 with other experiences tailored for every budget!
