Fernandinho says Manchester City's academy players deserve to play more often for the first team as three youngsters impressed in the Champions League last-16 draw with Sporting.
With Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake injured, Joao Cancelo ill and Kyle Walker suspended, Egan-Riley was drafted in at right-back for the second leg with Sporting as City held a 5-0 lead. And the 19-year-old youth team captain looked at home as he completed the 90 minutes for his Champions League debut on a night where Fernandinho appeared in the competition for the 100th time.
Reflecting on the performance, Fernandinho said: "Important to keep playing good, especially after the game on Sunday vs United. Some players come in, important to get some minutes and keep everyone going in the same direction.
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"We played the same way we always play. Of course we didn't get so many chances. We got one, offside, created more chances. Football is unlucky sometimes."
On Egan-Riley's performance - as well as the 45 minutes for James McAtee and a late cameo for Luke Mbete - Fernandinho said he would like the next generation of City youngsters can get more and more opportunities for the first team.
He said: "It shows the great work City's been doing with the academy. They have been training with us every day, know exactly what they have to do.
"They felt really comfortable, I'm so happy for them, especially CJ for making his Champions League debut. I hope they can play more often."
Pep Guardiola echoed his captain's thoughts on Egan-Riley's performance, describing the right-back as 'nothing exceptional' - but in a good way.
"CJ played really good, didn't miss one ball," Guardiola said.
"He's a seven, nothing exceptional in everything but that's a good sign in a defender, doesn't make mistakes. Scott Carson could play, we thought about that if the first half was okay, 45 to Bernardo and Phil and 45 to the others."
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