Guardiola makes first selection for FA Cup semis

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola might have already made his first selection call for next month's FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

After his game-changing impact as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win at Bournemouth in the quarter-finals yesterday, Nico O'Reilly -- a 20-year-old who rarely plays in the first team -- could have sewn up his starting place for the match at Wembley Stadium next month.

O'Reilly, a central midfielder, was brought on at halftime and played out of position at left back yet set up both of City's goals in their come-from-behind win at Vitality Stadium. That came after scoring two goals in the last 16 as City rallied to beat second-tier Plymouth 3-1.

"Two goals, two assists -- that's why he's going to play against Nottingham," Guardiola, who was seen talking to O'Reilly on the field after the final whistle, said with a smile.

While it remains to be seen if Guardiola sticks to his word, the Spanish coach also reserved special praise for his old guard.

Midfielders Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan -- players in their 30s who potentially might be on their way out at City -- guided City to victory with assured second-half displays.

"It was the senior players, the legendary players that give the most incredible things in the club, who made a step up again," Guardiola said.

"I need these types of players against a team I thought we need a lot of ball (against)."

City will play for the seventh straight season in the semi-finals, which take place across the weekend of April 26-27.

RASHFORD HAVING A BALL

With his career reignited by leaving Manchester United, Marcus Rashford said he was "enjoying my football" again after scoring his first goals for Aston Villa in the team's quarter-final victory yesterday.

Rashford's decision to join Villa on a loan deal until the end of the season is paying off, with the striker returning to the England squad and starting the recent World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

His first nine performances for Villa were also largely impressive and he marked his 10th by grabbing a double in the 3-0 win at second-tier Preston.

"It's a great feeling. I feel like I've slowly been getting fitter and playing better football since I've been here," Rashford said. "It's obviously nice for a forward to get a goal so, hopefully, it continues."

Rashford said he believes he "can still get fitter" in his spell at Villa, who are also into the Champions League quarter-finals.

"I missed a lot of football before joining up with them," he said. "At the minute, my body feels good, I'm injury free and I'm enjoying my football."

- AP