Rookie Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata has thanked fellow Belgian Vincent Kompany for taking him under his wing. Boyata, 19, could face Scunthorpe in the FA Cup on Sunday after being handed a starting role in midweek - against England striker Wayne Rooney.

With Kompany also in the team, the youngster held his own before being replaced by fit-again Nedum Onuoha in the second half. City gained a 2-1 advantage against Manchester United in the Carling Cup going into the second leg of the semi-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Boyata said: "Vincent is a hero in Belgium and I used to watch him all the time. Now I am playing alongside him, it has helped me a lot. When you know you will be playing against Rooney you are nervous. But once you are out there you have to stay focused and play your game.

"Someone at City told me before the match that if I can play against Rooney I can play against anyone. So from now on, the pressure will not be the same. Vincent kept talking to me and encouraging me on the pitch, so I am learning a lot. He started in Belgium at 17 playing for the national team and has been one of the country's best players."