While Manchester City’s fourth round FA Cup win over Scunthorpe IN Glanford Park may have been grabbed most people’s attention, for the fact that until striker Robinho scored the citizens’ fourth goal of the day, the tie against lowly Scunthorpe was still in the melting pot. But for the soccer community of Galway there was only one thing on their minds, and that was one of their own patrolling the field in the sky blue of City. At half time in the game Roberto Mancini gave 18-year-old Greg Cunningham his senior debut for the side, replacing Nigel de Jong for the final 45 minutes. City manager Mancini, speaking after the game, was full of praise for his young players, including Cunningham, saying: “Our young players did very well, they have shown me what they can do in training and I had no problem in picking them today. They have the right mentality and this was a big test for them. I'm pleased with them and pleased for them.”
The former Mervue man, who will celebrate his 19th birthday on Sunday, started off his career with Cregmore FC before moving to Mervue and setting off for City in 2007, and was key part of the citizens’ side who reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final last year. As a key member of the Irish u19 side this season he has started all six of their games under manager Sean McCaffrey in their current campaign.
