Eric Garcia is ready to push for a first Premier League start after impressing for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.
With Pep Guardiola’s central defensive options restricted because of injury, Garcia took full advantage with a composed display in City’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday.
Aymeric Laporte’s enforced long-term lay-off, combined with Rodri’s injury and the inconsistencies of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, has opened the door for Garcia.
And the 18-year-old Spaniard, who joined City from Barcelona two years ago, is doing all he can to earn a first Premier League start from boss Guardiola.
Garcia’s only previous Premier League experience was as a 67th-minute sub for Otamendi in City’s 8-0 rout of Watford last month, when the champions were already 7-0 up.
But asked if he now felt ready to start a Premier League game, Garcia said: “With these games, it helps to be ready if someday I have the opportunity to play.
“Those type of games are the ones that are really helping me.
“So I keep working and wait for my opportunity to prove I can also play.
“I’m really happy for the opportunity to play in the Carabao Cup. It’s very important for me.
“With the confidence the staff and the players give to me, on the pitch it’s very easy.
“Pep says just to play like I do always and be confident, be calm and speak with all the players, because they will help me and I need to help them as well.
“The staff and the players are helping me a lot. I have more contact with the defenders, because we play in the same position and we try to help each other.
“We’re a team. We’re all friends because it’s the key, when you’re going to play tough games in the Champions League and in the Premier League, to all be together.”
