Champions League: Pep Guardiola praises goal from former ball boy Micah Hamilton

Coach Pep Guardiola has praised winger Micah Hamilton after he scored on his dream Manchester City debut to help the English side beat Red Star Belgrade and reach the Champions League last 16 with a 100% record.

The 20-year-old player has been with the club since the age of nine and put City ahead after 19 minutes in Serbia.

Speaking on Hamilton’s performance, City’s coach said: “What a goal and what a game.

“I’m so happy for him. He’s training often with us and we saw his skills one against one. He scored a fantastic goal and made a penalty.”

Guardiola added that the performance was another sign of how strong the club’s youth set-up is.

“Congratulations to all at the academy for the last years,” added Guardiola. “How many players came up, how many players we sold who are playing already in the Premier League and Championship, and more?

“It is not easy to give opportunities at this level. It is really good to see them play.

“I’m very pleased for the result, for the performance in general, the effort from everyone, how the seniors helped the young lads.”

Hamilton on his part said it felt “surreal” to now be scoring for the club and was excited for his future.

“The manager has given us the opportunity in training and in the game. Playing with the best players, you always improve,” said Hamilton.

“He put me on the right wing, something different for me. I’d not really played there. I saw it as a challenge and I took it and I enjoyed every moment.

“It’s definitely just the start and [I want] to kick on from here.”

The win means Pep Guardiola’s side become only the second English team to achieve 100% record, after Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in 2021-22.

The draw for the last 16 will be held at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland at 11:00 GMT on Monday, December 18.