Pablo Zabaleta believes Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has shown Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola can rely on him to come up with the goods in attack as Sergio Aguero begins his lengthy suspension.
Aguero's rash lunge on Chelsea's David Luiz during Saturday's 3-1 Premier League defeat landed City's top scorer with a four-match ban, ruling him out until the New Year's Eve trip to Liverpool.
The Argentina star was an unused substitute for Tuesday's 1-1 Champions League Group C draw against Celtic, with qualification assured and Guardiola taking the opportunity to start Iheanacho.
The 20-year-old responded with a clinical finish to cancel out Patrick Roberts' early opener and did his chances of an extended run in the team no harm.
Zabaleta, who was deployed in an unfamiliar midfield role as academy youngsters Pablo Maffeo and Tosin Adarabioyo were given their latest taste of first-team action, said: "It was a good chance for Kelechi to play. We know Sergio will miss the next four games and I think he is ready.
"He played well. He scored a great goal and he must be ready for the next few games because probably the manager will need him more than ever. "Aguero is suspended so it is time for him to take that chance."
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