Cape Town - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded young midfielder Phil Foden deserves to feature for the Citizens with more regularity.
Guardiola was speaking after Tuesday night's Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb when both Raheem Sterling and Foden came off the bench to wrap up the 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling was very much the hero when scoring from a Riyad Mahrez cross to break down a stubborn Dinamo side midway through the second half, before he then turned provider for Foden.
The 19-year-old pounced in stoppage time to complete the win that took City to the top of Group C, and Guardiola was full of praise after the game.
Such is the quality in the City squad Foden is struggling to get game time, but is refusing to go out on loan and wants to battle for his place.
Barring probably Liverpool, the youngster would probably walk into any other Premier League side, and Guardiola is happy to have him.
"He (Foden) has incredible finishing and made an incredible step forward tonight," he said.
"I am so sorry for him - he deserves to play more minutes. I am sure he will contribute and help us more."
The England squad for the next round of internationals is named on Thursday.
"I am buzzing for Phil Foden," Sterling told BT Sport. "I want him in the national team. If he keeps going he will be there."
Foden said: "You have to show the manager what you can do each day in training. Every young kid wants to play but you have to keep patient."
- TeamTalk Media