New boy Ishmael puts Academy in front rank.

(From Manchester Evening News)

Byline: chris bailey

CITY Academy's hard-earned reputation as being one of the best hothouses of talent in the country has received a further boost through Ishmael Miller.

Blues boss Stuart Pearce has always stressed the importance of the Platt Lane production line and, after Miller's first start in the Premiership, has spoken about the happiness home-grown talent brings to fans.

Last Saturday against West Ham, City began the game with four Academy graduates on the pitch - Miller, Micah Richards, Joey Barton and Stephen Jordan - and Pearce believes that cheers up supporters. "It gives fans a big lift if you …