With that hat-trick, the 19-year-old now has eight goals this season.

He was initially left out of City's Champions League squad for the group stage but has now been included in place of injured midfielder Samir Nasri.

"He will be in the squad - he had the option to demonstrate why he is with the squad," Pellegrini said.

"He played really well and will continue to fight to start. It’s very important to use the whole squad because it is very different to do it with 11 players.

"I’ve told Nasri that I’ll take him out of the Champions League list. We need Kelechi now because of Bony’s injury also.

Watch Kelechi Iheanacho hat-trick last weekend, below: