Foden can emerge from Silva’s shadow: Guardiola

PEP Guardiola is confident Phil Foden can fill the boots of David Silva at Manchester City.

Foden (19) is set for a rare start as City wrap up their Champions League Group C campaign against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

Veteran playmaker Silva has not travelled due to injury but, as he has already announced he is to leave the club at the end of the season, it could be a foretaste of the future.

Foden has long been earmarked as the natural successor to Silva but he has had to wait patiently for his opportunities.

City boss Guardiola said: “That is our wish (that he can replace Silva). Of course, David is a legend with the amount of games and titles he has won, but it’s our wish and we believe he can do it.

“He’s growing from last season. There are still some departments he can improve. Sometimes he takes decisions with character and spirit because he is so young, but sometimes he has to think a bit more.

“But it’s normal with his age. His development is perfect. We are more than satisfied with what he is doing with his training and when he plays.”

City have nothing riding on the game having already secured top spot.

Defender Eric Garcia (18) is another youngster set to be given an opportunity. City’s problems at centre-back have continued with John Stones suffering a hamstring injury in the loss to Manchester United on Saturday and he is facing a spell out. Fernandinho is suspended.

Guardiola said: “The two young players are here but all the (rest of the) squad are here and we are going to put out a better squad than fans are thinking.

“We are already qualified and the Premier League is more important than the Champions League right now, but we will try to get a good result.”

Meanwhile, City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has challenged his team-mates to pick themselves up after their damaging derby loss.

City’s hopes of a third successive Premier League title now seem in ruins after falling 14 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Gundogan said: “Every single player has to take responsibility to reach his best level again. The sooner we do that the sooner we’ll be successful again.”

Rising star: Phil Foden is set to start for City in Zagreb