By Amanda Little

Last updated at 13:38, Tuesday, 03 November 2009

Manchester City starlet Adam Clayton today revealed how Craig Bellamy talked him into a move to Carlisle United.

Adam Clayton

The England youth international, who played at this summer’s Under-20 World Cup, yesterday traded star-studded Eastlands for League One football at Brunton Park after joining Greg Abbott’s rejuvenated side on a short-term deal until January.

Clayton is desperate for first-team football after finding himself squeezed out of the picture at City following the arrival of big names like Robinho, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who signed a new two-year deal with the Premier League side in the summer, turned to Bellamy for advice once he heard Carlisle had enquired about signing him on loan, and the fiery Welshman talked him into the move.

Clayton told News & Star Sport: “I’m quite close to Craig Bellamy and we’ve had a few chats. He told me I need to get out on loan and play some games.

“I told him on Friday I was going out on loan to either Swindon or Carlisle. He said Carlisle would be a good place to go. He’s been a decent person to have around me.

“He said Carlisle don’t just boot the ball and would be a decent team for me as a player to go and fit in. I’ve got Craig Bellamy to thank for being here.

“I’ve been training with players like Robinho, Adebayor and Tevez and there is nothing better than that for me as a Manchester City fan, but I need games. The gaffer here has given me a chance and I’ll train just as hard here, if not harder.

“I want to play for three points and for football to mean something at the end of a week’s training.

“My career needs to start now as I’ve been playing reserve football for two years.”

Abbott tried to sign the youngster on loan last season but City boss Mark Hughes blocked the move and drafted Clayton into his first-team squad.

City have given the central midfielder permission to play in this weekend’s FA Cup first-round tie at home to Morecambe.

Abbott has been keen to bolster his midfield because of an injury to Paul Thirlwell – set to see a London specialist about his hip problem – and Clayton is a player in the Carlisle captain’s mould.

“He’s a very good player and we’ve brought him in to push very hard to play and it’s a chance to get his career going,” said Abbott.

“He’s a good footballer, he’s a tough-tackling good passer who wants to get forward and has a nice range of passes.

“He’s a tough competitor, who likes to tackle and likes to pass.

“With the arrival of Tevez, Robinho and Barry, it has dropped Adam down the pecking order, but he’s a very good player.

“It’s beneficial to all three parties – Manchester City, Adam and ourselves.”

First published at 11:37, Tuesday, 03 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk