Highly rated UCD pair Neil Farrugia and Liam Scales have been invited to train with the elite youngsters at Manchester City.

The Premier League champions' Irish scout Mick Collins is a fan of the talented duo who were rewarded for their UCD performances by earning a place in Stephen Kenny's first U21 squad.

Centre half Scales did not feature in the 3-0 win over Luxembourg, but exciting left sided attacker Farrugia started and scored in the game.

And a number of overseas clubs are now trailing UCD's top talents as they have seamlessly adjusted to Premier Division football.

City were alerted to their ability and that has led to an invitation to train with their U23 team before the end of this English season.

However the terms of their UCD contract could pose a stumbling block and they may have to wait longer for the opportunity to impress.

City came shopping in the League of Ireland last summer to sign Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.

Wicklow lad Scales (20) was the subject of a bid from Dundalk before the start of the season but that was knocked back with UCD braced for cross channel approaches for the defender this summer.

Farrugia (19) has the option to spend another year studying at UCD. The scholarship student was delayed by injuries in his youth, and turned down the opportunity to sign a deal with QPR last year.

Online Editors