Malta youth international James Paris was in action for Manchester City as the Academy team defeated Italian side Inter and an Under-17 selection from the UAE in a six-team tournament – the Al Ain International Championship 2010 – which is being held in Abu Dhabi.

Paris played the two matches and now is therefore expected to feature for the Manchester City Academy in the tournament final which will be held on Monday. Their opponents are likely to be Spanish side Valencia.

The Maltese youngster is doing very well in England and Manchester City. There is intense competition for places in the academy side as one would expect at the world’s richest club. Even in view of this, James is doing really well and enjoying being in this environment and training and playing with such a professional set up.

In the first game against UAE U-17, Manchester City registered a 3-0 win. Following a goalless first half, they scored three after the break through John Guidetti, an own goal and Jordi Hiwula.

On Thursday, Manchester City defeated Inter 4-2. Inter opened the scoring on 12 minutes. City levelled matters on 18 minutes thanks to Ahmad Benali and forged ahead on 70 minutes with a goal by Guidetti. Jeremy Helan stretched City’s lead minutes later before Inter pulled one back, two minutes from time. Deep into injury time, Benali got his second goal to make it 4-2.