Norway under-19 coach Nils Johan Semb was delighted to see midfielder Abdi Ibrahim make his Manchester City debut in their FA Cup win over Scunthorpe United. His inclusion at the heart of the team came as a surprise to quite a few but it underlined manager Roberto Mancini's belief in the old adage that if you are good enough, you are old enough. "He is physically strong and tall, a real athlete, and also technically a good all-rounder," Semb, who has followed the teenager's career since he was at Fjellhamar, told the Manchester Evening News. "He reminds me a little bit of Vieira - but, of course, he still has a long way to go." Semb agreed that joining the Blues was a good move for the youngster, and that playing and training alongside Vieira, Gareth Barry, Nigel de Jong and Stevie Ireland will be important to his development. "City handle their young players sensibly and Abdi has made big steps in the last year. If he keeps his eyes and ears open, he will learn a lot from the players." More...