I’m not just here to be a squad player, says O’Reilly | OneFootball

Nico O’Reilly says he’s not just planning to settle for being a squad player after extending his Manchester City contract.

The Academy graduate, who first joined the Club at the age of eight, has gone from strength to strength in the last 13 months to make 27 first team appearances.

He’s now committed his long-term future to City, signing a deal that will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2030.

Buy your O'Reilly shirt with free printing

After progressing through our youth ranks largely as an attacking midfielder, O’Reilly has shone most at left-back in Pep Guardiola’s system.

While he’s clearly delighted with how far he’s come since entering senior football, the 20-year-old believes this is just the beginning.

“It’s crazy how fast things have gone but I know my ability,” he said in his first interview after agreeing his new deal.

“I don’t just want to be a squad player, I’m here to fight for my place and I want to be in the team week in, week out.

WATCH: O’Reilly: None of this would have been possible without the support of my Mum

“That’s my aim and that’s what I’m going to try and do.

“I think I’ve improved. Playing in big games in big stadiums and crowds, it’s something you’re not used to in the Academy.

“The experience has helped me a lot and playing a new position, learning how to defend properly. It’s all helped me a lot massively.

“[My target is to] play as much as I can. I want to play every game, win trophies and titles, try and get an England call-up and make the squad in the summer.

“I’ve got a lot of goals this season and I’m going to try and achieve them.”

O’Reilly is just one of a strong Academy contingent in Guardiola’s first team squad, with the likes of Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb and James Trafford all key figures.

The 20-year-old says having those familiar faces has assisted the adjustment, but that everyone at the club has played a role in his dramatic development since his senior debut.

“It definitely helps [to play with fellow Academy graduates],” he said.

“They’ve done it before so it shows to me and the younger ones that there is a way, there is a path there and you can do it.

“I’m laid back anyway, so I usually am calm and composed but some of these moments can get to you.

“Everyone in the team is so supportive and makes you feel comfortable. It’s a very good environment.”