Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that City must not forget to turn to youth in their quest for domestic and European success.

Alongside defenders Nedum Onuoha and Micah Richards, Wright-Phillips was one of three players on show in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea at Eastlands who have emerged from the famous City academy.

City coach Mark Hughes invested heavily in the summer on players like Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Gareth Barry in his quest to muscle into the top four and seal a UEFA Champions League spot, or, better still challenge for the Premier League crown.

However, in amongst the millions the Citizens have spent, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has urged his club not to turn their back on its youngsters who have been overshadowed by a host of big-name signings.

"It is not just about buying top-quality players. Even our next-door neighbours (United) have not continuously bought, they buy one or two to go with the players already there," he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"At a club like City, you cannot forget about the kids that have come through and are still emerging from the academy.

"We can't forget about them and we should always keep that in mind with an eye to the future.”

SWP left the Sky Blues to join Chelsea in 2005 before rejoining the club in 2008 for a second stint after struggling to break into the Blues first team.

And the 5ft 5inches flying-winger admits that he best suited to life in the North West although the experience in the capital taught him much.

"I was still young when I left City. I learned a lot at Chelsea partly down to the players I played alongside. To put it into practice back at City has made me really happy,” he said.

"City is a very family-oriented club. Chelsea is in the centre of London, there is a different crowd following them, maybe more business people go to watch them.