The Elite Development Squad skipper enjoyed a dream senior debut last month, scoring just 19 minutes into our final Champions League group clash away at Red Star Belgrade, his strike setting City on the way to a 3-2 victory.
The 20-year-old Academy graduate was then part of the City squad that travelled out to Saudi Arabia where we went on to be crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions shortly before Christmas.
And the attacking winger subsequently kicked off the New Year in memorable fashion by coming on as a second half substitute to make his senior Etihad bow during last Sunday’s emphatic 5-0 FA Cup third round win over Huddersfield Town.
What made that experience all the more memorable was the fact that Hamilton shared the Etihad stage with fellow EDS youngster Jacob Wright, who was summoned on off the bench at the same time for what was his first team debut, with fellow Academy graduates Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis all starting.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
It’s yet further evidence of the significant and ongoing impact being made by City’s widely admired Academy set-up.
And for Hamilton, those precious minutes out on the pitch only helped amplify the learnings and education he has been afforded thanks to his time in and around the world champions’ first team set-up this term.
“Looking back on the experiences, you know, you kind of dream of doing things like that,” Micah admitted.
“Scoring in Belgrade, it was difficult to put into words what that was like.
“But going right back to when I was first named in the senior squad for the game at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup last September, I remember that I was just so happy to be around the squad and to see the atmosphere and what goes on.
“The day before, our EDS head coach Brian Barry-Murphy came into the gym as I was doing some work with the rest of the Under 21s to tell me the news I was in the squad and he was kind of shouting it as it was so loud there!
“He was shouting, and everyone else was hearing then clapping and congratulating me.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY APP
“It’s something that you kind of dream of doing. Obviously, I didn’t get on in that game, but I was just so happy to be part of the squad.
“I tried to take everything in from an experience point of view.
“All the pre-match prep - that might not like mean so much to some people - but little things like that are a big thing.
“Staying in the team hotel, the team talk, the warm-ups, the travel to the stadium and the atmosphere at the game… it was all amazing and really good preparation for what’s happened since.
“It has all been a bit surreal really.”
Further reflecting on his experiences, Hamilton also says the presence of fellow Academy graduates Lewis and Bobb, in particular, has helped make his transition with the first team squad all the more seamless.
Hamilton says every member of Pep Guardiola’s star-studded first team squad has played their part in helping him feel at home.
And the 20-year old also says that the sight of Lewis and Bobb going from strength to strength at first team level has helped serve as the perfect inspiration for the rest of the Elite Development Squad.
“I think at first maybe I was a little bit overawed which I guess is understandable, but because I’ve trained with them last season before I got injured and the season before, I wasn’t too nervous,” Micah reflected.
“It was more about looking forward to it back then. And now, because I’ve been with them quite a lot, and I’m more used to training with the guys, I feel comfortable and feel more myself.
“And when you train with the first team you improve every single day. They make you feel so comfortable and welcome.
“All the guys have been really helpful and it’s great to have Oscar and Rico to speak to as I know both of them well and it’s great to be able to learn from them and to have shared the big stage with them.
“Seeing their progress is inspiring for us all in the Academy, especially Rico’s situation, because I’ve been here at the Club with Rico since he was really small. I grew up with him right through the age groups from the age of four or five onwards.
“So, to see him playing in the first team regularly its crazy to see… it’s just mad.
“It’s the same with Oscar as well. I was able to play with him last season in the EDS. He’s obviously another top player and now see him over there [in the first team squad] day-to-day is just amazing.
“They are two top players and to have them by my side feels so good.
“For me now, I’ve just got to keep my head down, try to keep working hard and hopefully the chances will come.”
