Micah Hamilton’s dream debut goal for Manchester City came on the anniversary of his having injections for a serious ankle injury and the 20-year-old admitted having “jelly legs” on learning Pep Guardiola had selected him to start at Red Star Belgrade.
The winger scored after 19 minutes of the final Champions League group game at the Rajko Mitic Stadium via a strong run on the right and powerful shot. He also won the second-half penalty that Kalvin Phillips converted for City’s third in the 3-2 win.
Hamilton said: “I walked into the meeting room [on Tuesday] and Pep was going through the team and he said my name on the right wing. I was in shock, with jelly legs. It was all mad. I couldn’t even sleep last night just taking everything in. I went on to the pitch and thought: ‘I need to play without fear.’ I eased into it in the first 10 minutes and then took my opportunity when it came. It was amazing. To do it for the best club in the world and the club I’ve been at since five is amazing.
“I told [my family] straight after training yesterday. They were made up for me and wished me good luck. All my family – mum, dad, cousins – and even friends back at home all wished me well and I will get to speak to them after.”
Hamilton, who is from Crumpsall, Manchester, sustained a number of injuries in recent seasons that have hampered his progress. “What’s mad is that a year ago today [Wednesday] I was getting injections in my ankle and now I’ve scored on my debut for the first team,” he said.
Oscar Bobb, another 20-year-old, who was fielded at No 9, also scored a first City goal, on his 13th appearance. Another academy product, Rico Lewis, was in the XI.
“It was amazing to see we’ve come through from a young age, and doing it on the big stage was something else,” Hamilton said. “I just want to push on and try to get more minutes, working day to day in training with my head down and hopefully the opportunities will come.”
Bobb said: “It feels so great [to score]. It was a very tough game and there is always pressure on my back but it was a turning point to grow more confident.”
City, the holders, are in Monday’s draw for the knockout stage as group winners.
