Teen reassures fans over Villa cup knock
TAYLOR Harwood-Bellis has reassured City fans after coming off injured in the FA Youth Cup win over Aston Villa.
The 17-year-old had to be substituted during Wednesday’s game, replaced by Kwaku Oduroh as he went off clutching his hamstring.
Gareth Taylor’s side held off an improved second-half performance from Villa to book their place in the last 16 of the competition, and afterwards the defender gave an update on his condition.
He tweeted: ‘Into the next round we go! Improvement needed on the performance but the win is what matters. Nothing serious on the injury, just tightness’.
Harwood-Bellis can expect to play an integral role as City push for that elusive FA Youth Cup title, a trophy they have not lifted since 2008 – they have lost four of the last five finals.
The Under-18s host Fulham in the fifth round in a game scheduled for next month. Last year’s winners Liverpool have already been knocked out, although Chelsea – who beat the Blues in three consecutive finals – United and Arsenal are among the teams still in the competition.
The centre-back will also hope for further involvement with the first team.
After impressing manager Pep Guardiola on the pre-season tour to the Far East, the teenager made his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Preston in September and has subsequently started games with Oxford and Port Vale.
With more cup games coming up over the next few months, Harwood-Bellis remains a useful option should the manager need it.