Nabil staying focused

Nabil Bentaleb's footballing life has turned upside down in recent weeks – and he's determined to keep a level head.

Tim Sherwood handed the young midfielder his debut off the bench at Southampton on December 22 and since then he’s been a feature in the team that has won five and drawn one of seven matches in the Premier League.

Nabil has featured in six of those games and started the last three, the latest against title-favourites City on Wednesday. He also got the nod in the huge FA Cup tie at Arsenal.

“I’ve dreamed of playing in these types of games,” said Nabil. “The coach has trusted me and put me in the team and I have to do my job.

“The most important thing is to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard. I have to keep focused now.”

Nabil thanked the players for their support since he stepped into the first team environment. “Ever since the first time I came into the squad they all talk to me, give me instructions, everything to make me comfortable.

“But you can have all the support in the world but when you get on the pitch, you have to perform. I have to keep going.”