Stockport-born James Hardy joined City from Oldham Athletic in 2012 and will be hoping to follow in Micah Richards’ footsteps in working his way through the age-groups.

James may not possess huge physical stature but he punches above his weight, thanks to his sharp footballing brain which allows him to read the opposition's movement and create space for himself in busy midfield areas.

Described as a technically gifted central midfielder, Hardy possesses quick feet and the can thread through passes to the forwards thanks to good vision and passing range.

Interestingly, Hardy travelled to Paris in an England representative side managed by Jamie Redknapp as a 12-year old in 2008.