Abdi Ibrahim is keen to build on his first taste of Premier League action.

The midfielder made a 15-minute appearance as a replacement for Stephen Ireland in Sunday’s draw with Liverpool, having made his senior debut in the FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe a month ago.

 A packed City of Manchester Stadium against some of the biggest hitters in English football made for a big change from the more modest surroundings at Glanford Park, but the 19-year-old is thrilled to have been given the chance to shine in some exalted company.

He told mcfc.co.uk, “I had not played so much since Scunthorpe but it was nice to be named on the bench, and I was really excited to actually play against Liverpool. It was great experience for me, I’m happy to have played against them although disappointed we did not beat them.

There were so many good players out there for both sides, I used to watch people like Gareth Barry and Steven Gerrard on TV, so to actually play with and against them can only be good for me. They are such good players and I really look up to them.

...Abdi Ibrahim...

“I’m not used to playing in front of such a big crowd and that was also really exciting for me. All my family were here to watch me as well, I’m glad they have been able to see me at this level for the first time because they have always supported me so much.”

Despite making a relatively brief appearance, Abdi has taken his experiences from Sunday on board and is determined to keep learning and give Roberto Mancini an extra string to his bow for midfield.

“It was much quicker than the cup tie,” he added. “I was told to watch out for Mascherano and I tried to stay near him as much as I could. Liverpool play the ball all the time, other teams will be a lot more direct so there are a lot of differences but I am starting to pick these up the more I play and the more I watch what the others do in training.

“It’s only the start for me but playing against Liverpool was a really big step. Now I want more of this, because I am enjoying it so much. It’s amazing for me, I just have to keep learning from all these big players in our squad.”