Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that he will be judged on how many academy products are brought into the first team.

Although success in the Premier League and Europe remains the target each season, the club made a statement about its intention to capitalise on the players they are producing by opening a new academy next to the Etihad Stadium earlier this year.

"I don't think it's a change in direction. The development of young players is always important," Pellegrini told reporters.

"It's not easy when you have a strong squad to give them a chance but in the way that they demonstrate they are good players, of course it is very important for our club to try to bring players from the academy to the first team.

"I think here we are working very well. We have important players that, maybe not in one month but in a couple of years, will play in the first team."

City take on Crystal Palace in the League Cup on Wednesday night.