Pep Guardiola is ready to give one of the brightest prospects in English football his first taste of the Champions League against Feyenoord as he insisted Phil Foden is ready to take his first tentative steps as a first team player at Manchester City.

Foden caught the eye of Guardiola last season when he was coming through the Academy and was promoted to the first team squad in the summer, continuing to impress the Spaniard in training.

But Guardiola has been keen to protect the 17-year-old from Stockport and will ease him into the side, even though he is confident he has the right mentality to thrive under pressure and the dedication to football that means he will not let his early success blind him to the improvements that still need to be made.

Foden was one of the stars of England Under-17 World Cup success last month and those who have watched him develop over the last few months are barely able to contain their excitement at the player he could become.

Guardiola, though, will handle with care. The midfielder has already had more media coverage than most players his age and his manager is aware of the potential problems that arise when you are tipped for greatness at such a young age.

Foden greets spectators after England's win over Spain in the World Cup final credit: AFP

He is equally protective of the young Spaniard, Brahim Diaz who could also be involved against a Feyenoord side that has lost all four of its Champions League games.

“They are two young players training with the first team this season,” said Guardiola, who wore a yellow ribbon on his top to show his support for the Catalan politicians who have been imprisoned by the Spanish government for holding an “illegal” independence referendum.

“What I saw in pre-season, the training, in the [Under-17] World Cup, they are ready. Otherwise they would not be training very day with us.

“We try to help the young players, but they have to have quality to train with us. It’s not just to have fun or be gentle. They are there because they have a chance to play with us.

“I think they have the mentality because they are two guys who want to become football players. It is not easy to find that. They live for their profession.

Pep Guardiola is excited about the first team prospects of three of Man City's young stars credit: AFP

“The skills are there, the quality is there. We can help them with speed, because the lack of time to take a decision is higher [at senior level] so Phil has to fight duels against Kevin De Bruyne, against Fernandinho, against David Silva.

“Just being there with the older guys, the more experienced guys, every day is a step to improve.

“Years ago, people had more time to think. Now it is reduced that time because everything is quicker. The players are faster in all senses, physically and mentally. I said that in pre-season, those guys will train with us all season. Now if they play or don’t play depends on my decision, but they have to be ready because sometimes the manager makes surprises.

“I think they are two guys who are not scared to play. They are worried about pressure, but they still have to be protected, surrounded by people with experience.

“With Phil, Brahim and Toisin (Adarabioyo), playing with the senior players, they are going to be protected more than if they play with six young players. We cannot expect Phil and Brahim to go out there and be important players to win titles. But they have to join us and help us. It’s all steps for them.

“We believe going to the World Cup was perfect for Phil’s next step. Of course, playing the quarter final, the semi-final, the final, is better than training here or playing in the second team or playing 10, 15 or 20 minutes with us. It was so good for him.”

Although City have already qualified for the knockout stage of the competition, a win over Feyenoord is needed to ensure they top the group and Guardiola wants to put the Champions League to bed so he can focus on a gruelling December schedule.

City are unbeaten this season, although Guardiola feels they still have an important test to pass if they are going to be champions of England, let alone Europe, which is why he will make so many changes to the team on Tuesday night.

“To win the titles we need all the squad,” Guardiola added. “This is the busiest period of the season between now and January 2nd and we have to show we can cope with that, that we can cope with the big moments.”