Shea Charles is looking to learn from midfield pair Rodri and Kalvin Phillips as he plots a path into the Man City first team.
The teenager starred for Northern Ireland in their Euro 2024 qualifying win over San Marino on Thursday, playing in central midfield, a role he one day wants to fill for Pep Guardiola's side. The 19-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for City but was an unused sub in their Champions League clash away at RB Leipzig earlier this month.
That was his first involvement with the senior side at the Etihad but he has five international caps to his name and is set to add another when Michael O'Neill's side face Finland on Sunday night. Charles' international future looks positive and he is hoping his club prospects will be equally bright, boosted by conversations with senior City stars.
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“It’s more with the likes of Fernandinho before he left, Rodri now, Kalvin Phillips as well now, because they play in my position,” the teenager said of his learning strategy. “Watching them, learning, asking questions, that’s the main thing. The reading of the game – game intelligence and a good range of passing is really important.
“At the moment I’m just going to see out the season and we’ll see what happens. I’d love to stay at City. That’s obviously the main target, but you never know, so we’ll see.
“It will be difficult [to get into the side], but I’m confident in my own abilities. Training with them, learning from them all the time, it’s just a great experience.”
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