Devante Cole joined the ranks at City’s Academy as an eight-year old when his father Andrew was plying his trade at the Etihad Stadium. From there, the forward has made steady progress until July 2012 when he signed on as a second-year scholar at Platt Lane.

Cole’s strengths include electric pace and power as well as quick feet which help when he’s running at defenders with the ball. His predatory instincts have improved year on year, a statement backed up with his strike rate of a goal every other game in last season’s under-18s campaign.

His connection with Jordy Hiwula was one of the most pleasing aspects of last season and the pair will be hoping to hit it off next season too, perhaps for club and country. Devante has already played for England u16s and u17s – he’ll no doubt be targeting joining Jordy in the 18s before 2012/13 is through.