Manchester City U18 coach Ben Wilkinson says his young players know they face a battle to reach the first team.
City meet Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup final tonight.
"For a player to get through here, you nearly have to be the best in the world in your position," Wilkinson said.
"Even Phil, with all his talent, had to wait for his chance.
"That is everyone's dream but we also have to be realistic. We are probably not going to produce five, six, seven at one time like you may have in years gone by.
"What we have to strive to do is develop players for elite first-team football.
"We have done quite well at that recently. Our academy has offered a successful pathway for young players to go and play in the Premier League and the Champions League."
