Iheanacho earns praise from Man City coach Pellegrini

The former U17 star made a big impression during his side's victory over Sporting KC in their tour of America as he nudged the last goal in a 4-1 triumph

Nigerian youngster Kelechi Iheanacho scored the final goal in Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Sporting KC at the Sporting Park, Kansas on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old got a lay off from Jesus Navas and placed his shot low into the left corner to give the Citizens a very well deserved rout in their first game during their tour of America.

The visitors took the lead via Bruno Zuculini before C.J Sarpong got the hosts' equalizer. But Dedryck Boyata restored the lead before Aleksander Kolarov extended it from the spot after Scott Sinclair was brought down and Iheanacho made it four on 88 minutes.

He also had two shots on goal in two minutes saved by the goalkeeper during the game as he shone brightly underlining his impressive talent. This warranted praise from City boss Manuel Pellegrini after the match.

“Kelechi is just 17 years old and he’s a very important player for us in the future,” Pellegrini was quoted by Daily Mail.

“He demonstrated today what he can do in the future. It depends on the way he takes this profession, but I think he’s a good talent. Having not secured work permit, Pellegrini said a final decision had not yet been made if he will able to stay with the club or go on loan.

“We’ve not decided yet (what the plan is for him) because it’s not easy. He’s just 17 and sometimes that’s the problem. “We’ll see what he will do in the future. For the moment he will stay with us and we’ll see when we return to England what will happen with him. But he’s a very important player for the future for the club.

"After the tour we will see what happens with him. There are a lot of things to arrange to play in England but he has an important future." Iheanacho was voted best player at the 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup where he scored six goals in seven matches as Nigeria won the title for a fourth time.