Rabbi hopes to be City slicker after Wales bow

MANCHESTER City teenager Rabbi Matondo hopes his shock Wales debut can help him break into Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The 18-year-old made a cameo appearance from the bench as Wales lost 1-0 to Albania Elbasan on Tuesday.

Matondo has been a regular goalscorer for City’s Under-23 side this season and produced a couple of scintillating bursts to show why he is highly rated at the Etihad.

“I’m sure playing for my country and against top international players will help me at club level,” Matondo said.

“The whole world is watching and if I can do it on the international stage, it will show I can do it at my club.

“It’s always been the aim to break through at club and international level. I wouldn’t say I’ve fully broken through at international level now, but I’m getting a step closer. I’m working towards the same at club level. It will be difficult, but that’s the path I’ve chosen.

“So I’ve just got to go for it and keep working hard. It’s not up to me, but I will just try my best.”

Liverpool-born Matondo also qualifies to represent England and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where his father is from and where he played for several clubs.

Matondo could still play for either as the Albania game was a non-competitive fixture, but the Cardiff-raised youngster has pledged his future to Wales.

“It has always been Wales for me,” Matondo said. “I’m happy here and happy with [Wales manager] Ryan Giggs.

“He’s given me an opportunity and I’m grateful for that.

“As a youngster I was watching Gareth Bale and now I’m playing with him.”