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Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer explained why he decided to play two games in one day after featuring for both the first team and under-23s on Saturday.

Palmer made his sixth senior appearance for Man City on Saturday, coming on as a substitute late on in their win against Burnley. It was the second time he has played in the Premier League. But it was not his last appearance of the day, as he later turned out for the Elite Development Squad.

Palmer has played in the Man City academy since the age of eight. At under-23 level, he has scored 17 goals in 24 appearances.

Three of those goals came on Saturday night, just hours after he had set foot on the pitch for the first team. Palmer went on to score a hat-trick against Leicester in a Premier League 2 fixture.

It capped off a busy and brilliant day for the 19-year-old, who could have a bright future if his potential is managed appropriately.

Palmer seems eager to make his mark after revealing it was his own idea to play for both the senior team and under-23s in one day.

He said to City’s media team: “Playing with the first team at three then driving over to the Academy Stadium and scoring a hat trick and another three points, it was a good day. I saw that the EDS were playing at half seven and the first team were at three.

“So, I thought if I don’t get 30 minutes or something I asked if I could come over and play and he said yeah, I could come over and play.

“I’m doing what I love – I can’t complain. It’s hard to keep focused and keep the energy all day but apart from that I enjoyed it. I just try to entertain and score goals for the fans and do what I do.

“Everyone wants to play games so when I saw the opportunity to play I thought I might as well come and play and that’s what I did.”

Cole Palmer vows to keep improving

Palmer will be hoping to further establish himself with the under-23s and also keep knocking on the door of Pep Guardiola for the Man City first team.

It will be hard to break into a title-winning side, but Guardiola has shown he has some faith in the teenager.

Palmer is keeping his head down and is enjoying his work at present as he seeks to take on board everything he is being advised.

He added: “It’s been a top season so far. Hopefully, I can get more minutes and keep pushing with the first team.

“I think it’s just about timing. I’ve just got to be patient and wait for a chance with the first team and, hopefully, when it comes like against Wycombe, I’ve just got to take it and make an impact.

“All the first team are there to help you and the staff as well. I really enjoy going in and playing around them. I’m only going to improve and get better, so I’ve got to keep pushing.

“That’s what I’ve got to do and now I want to kick on from here. There’s definitely a lot more to come.

“Being with the first team every day it’s only going to improve me. I enjoy it every day, training and playing games.”

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