Dedryck Boyata, Abdu Ibrahim and Greg Cunningham are the latest batch to come off the production line.

They are following in the footsteps of Micah Richards, Stephen Ireland, Nedum Onuoha and Michael Johnson, who have come through the ranks.

Boyata played in both Carling Cup semi-final matches against Manchester United after catching Mancini's eye.

Even though Wayne Rooney secured a dramatic stoppage-time winner for the holders, Boyata had reason to be satisfied with his displays.

Ibrahim and Cunningham are also making good progress and helped City defeat Coca-Cola Championship side Scunthorpe in the FA Cup.

Italian boss Mancini said: "Boyata played against Rooney and Ryan Giggs and did well in both games.

"I am happy for these young players - they are very talented. I hope they continue to train well and improve.

"They have a chance but it is important they keep their feet on the ground and work hard."

City are looking to bounce back from their Carling Cup exit tomorrow when they entertain Portsmouth.

The loss to their local rivals threw the spotlight back on chief executive Garry Cook.

After winning the first leg he boasted to supporters in a New York bar the tie was as good as over and City would go on to become the biggest and best club in the world.

Cook was certainly wrong on the first count, but the club have condemned a report claiming the owners will give serious thought to his position at the end of the season.

A City spokesperson said: "This is an isolated and ill-informed piece of speculation, which is completely without foundation."

While City have riches at their disposal, Portsmouth are at the opposite end of the scale with serious financial problems.

Mancini, however, is only concerned about getting back on track and staking a claim for a top-four place.

He said: "We think we are a strong team. Okay we lost to United but that is football. We played well.

"The important thing was that in two games we played at the same level as United. I am pleased with that. Now we have to focus on the game on Sunday, which is very important."

Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure will be available after returning from the African Nations Cup.

However, former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira remains sidelined with a calf injury, but could face Hull next week.