Ghana's Thomas Agyepong lauds Man City star Fernandinho

Ghanaian winger Thomas Agyepong claims Brazil and Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho has been a big influence in his career.

The on-loan Hibernian says the Brazil star will be tracking his every move as he bids to become a success at Scottish side Hibernian.

The 21-year-old has revealed the Brazil star was one of a number of players to give him personal advice when he moved to the Etihad three years ago.

And even though he has spent most of his time away from the club since then, Agyepong revealed he is a constant source of encouragement.

''Fernandinho is like a big brother to me at City. Samir Nasri was sometimes and Aleksandar Kolarov too,'' Agyepong said.

''But the big one was Fernandinho. He used to speak to me all the time."

''Even now he still keeps in contact and he texts me and speaks to me and tells me to keep working hard to achieve my dreams.

''It's great at City. It’s a beautiful place. It’s a multi-million-pound club and the facilities are amazing.

''I wasn’t able to play any games. I’d have loved to."

''But I got experience training with the first team. And when you go up against players like those you have to up your level and you develop."

''You make a lot of mistakes because you are young, but they are there to help you."

''When I was there they gave me advice. If I made a mistake they would tell me to keep going and if I did something right they would tell me too. That was good to hear from the best.''