Suspended Aguero Urges Iheanacho To Fill Gap

Suspended Sergio Aguero is confident Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho can fill his position, even as the 20-year-old believes he is ready to do the job.

The Super Eagles forward made his first start in over a month for Manchester City, scoring an equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Celtic in the Champions League.

And by virtue of Aguero’s four-match suspension following a two-footed tackle on Chelsea’s David Luiz last Saturday, Iheanacho could now start in the Premier League clash with Leicester City at the weekend.

And the Nigerian is confident of filling the role of Aguero as the Argentine striker has given him the necessary encouragement for the games ahead.

“I have a responsibility to be the striker for the team, replacing Sergio when he is not around,” Iheanacho, told the club’s website.

“Before we played Celtic, [Aguero said] that it’s up to me now to fill that gap, to carry the team along.

“He’s telling me I should do very well and they are words of encouragement from him. So, I’m going to do it.”

Iheanacho has played nine Premier League games this season, scoring three goals and supplying as many assists.

He said, “I have to prove myself, give my best and work hard for the team and make sure we get the wins we need.”

The Citizens, fourth in the league with 30 points, travel to struggling champions Leicester City on Saturday.