The 20-year-old is the latest graduate of the Club’s Academy to take to the international stage.
O’Reilly started in England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Serbia on Thursday evening.
It’s another fantastic achievement for O’Reilly, who has been going from strength to strength in his second season at senior level.
“Nico’s progress over the past 18 months has been nothing short of remarkable, but it’s a trajectory we’ve been confident he’d follow,” began Kruecken.
“He is an extremely talented, versatile, hard-working and polite player who we have seen grow under the guidance of City since Under-9s, but also through the fantastic support he has had at home.
“To develop his craft as an attacking player throughout the age groups and then be trusted by Pep Guardiola to play as a full-back, highlights Nico’s character. He faces every challenge head-on, without concern and does so with exhilarating amounts of energy.
“And that’s what makes him such a special player.
“When you remember that Nico only made his senior debut for Pep 14 months ago, and to now be a key member of our first-team - his story is inspirational.
“Nico suffered a lengthy injury in 2023/24, so to see him return stronger, fitter and more motivated to achieve his dream of playing for his boyhood club, brings great pride to everyone at the Academy involved in his journey.
“And being rewarded with his first senior cap for England at just 20 years old is thoroughly deserved.
“He has also shown how accessible the pathway to the first-team is, and anyone with the right attitude, ability and willingness to take the opportunity to impress Pep can succeed at the Etihad.
“We can’t wait to see Nico continue his journey with the Club, and everyone at the Academy will be cheering him and the team on every step of the way.”
O’Reilly’s maiden England cap only adds to what has been another stellar start to the season for City’s Academy as a whole.
In September O’Reilly became the latest Academy graduate to put pen to paper in a new deal that has seen him extend his stay at the Etihad, following in the footsteps of fellow graduate Rico Lewis who also penned a new long-term contract.
On the pitch meanwhile, it has been a positive start to 2025/26 for our Academy
We’ve also seen 11 Elite Development Squad players go out on loan to gain valuable senior experience around England and Europe.
And following closely in the footsteps of O’Reilly, Divine Mukasa, Reigan Heskey and Jaden Heskey were all handed their first-team debuts in September.
“We have so many achievements to be proud of already this season,” added Kruecken.
“Three senior debuts in Divine [Mukasa], Reigan and Jaden [Heskey], but also the inclusion of Stephen [Mfuni] and Ryan [McAidoo] in Pep’s matchday squads is such a gratifying moment for everyone in the Academy.
“We pride ourselves on creating a clear, consistent pathway to the senior team.
“But what also makes us proud is that we are helping shape the lives of kind, diligent and confident young people who can have careers all over the world.
“I would like to thank everyone in the Academy and the Club for working so collaboratively to achieve such amazing results, and once again would like to congratulate Nico on his latest achievement.”
