Man City youngster Palmer scores U23 hat-trick hours after first-team cameo

Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer played for Pep Guardiola's side on Saturday - then scored a hat-trick for the reserves a few hours later.

After coming on as an 90th-minute sub in the 2-0 win over Burnley, Palmer dashed from the Etihad Stadium to the adjacent Academy Stadium to turn out for City's Under-23s.

Palmer, 19, was the star of the show in the 5-0 win over Leicester, bagging a treble hours after making his second Premier League appearance in front of 52,711 fans.

"Playing with the first team at 3pm and scoring a hat-trick and getting three points - yeah a good day," said England Under-21 star Palmer, clutching the matchball.

Pep Guardiola introduced Cole Palmer in added time against Burnley

"Everyone wants to play games, so when I saw the opportunity, I thought I might as well come and play, so that's what I did.

"I'm doing what I love, I can't really complain. Obviously it's hard to keep focused all day and keep the energy but, apart from that, I really enjoyed it.

"It's been a top season so far. Hopefully, I can get more minutes, keep pushing with the first-team and hopefully be playing.

"It's just about timing. I've just got to be patient, obviously wait for a chance with the first-team and hopefully, when it comes, I've just got to take it and make an impact."

Guardiola has high hopes for Palmer, who is looking to follow the route taken by Phil Foden, 21, from the City Academy set-up into the first-team on a regular basis.