Jamal Lewis: FA Cup run is good for the team

The City left-back was one of seven changes made to the eleven for the win over Burnley and he wasn’t the only player coming in to catch the eye.

Josip Drmic bagged a goal on his first start with Mario Vrancic, Onel Hernandez, Marco Stiepermann, Tom Trybull, Ralf Fährmann, and Lewis staking their claim for regular spots with impressive showings.

Lewis says the team were hungry to put on a good display and help City through to the last 16 for the first time in eight years.

“You’ve seen a lot of players on the pitch that haven’t been playing regularly and you saw a lot of hunger on the pitch,” he said.

“Sometimes it can work the other way where players are moody that they aren’t playing. But it shows that the group we’ve got – even when you’re not playing consistently, you can put in a performance like that.

“Last year, we were very occupied on the league. But this season, we’re just trying to get a win wherever we can.

“The boys were terrific. On a personal note, whenever you get the chance you’ve got to take it and show the manager why you should be in the team.”

City scored a rare goal from a set piece in the victory – Grant Hanley climbing highest to plant a header past Joe Hart from a Vrancic free kick.

It’s something City should look to do more of, according to Lewis.

“Watching Liverpool week-in, week-out and you see how many goals they get from set pieces and in this league, they can get you a lot of points,” he continued.

"It’s definitely something that is vital in the Premier League. Maybe it’s something we need to keep an eye on and improve.”