MANCHESTER City's youngsters have given the club hope of a bright new future.

Two of the top prospects at Maine Road are midfielder Lee Croft and striker Dorryl Proffitt.

They have both been named in the adidas/PFA Platinum Group for next season.

The initiative was established to support the four leading 16-year-old talents in the country.

Liverpool defender David Raven and Blackburn midfielder Jerome Watt complete the elite group.

City's ambitious youth programme is the envy of many and Proffitt and Croft moved from their family homes in Stoke and Wigan respectively to attend a school close to the club.

Both boys have played for England schools and are expected to turn professional when they reach 17.

Proffitt's scoring exploits have already caught the eye after he grabbed 40 goals in a season in Sunday League football.

"It's a great set-up at City and they encourage their young players," he said.

"They are well known for it.

"I am ambitious and always set myself scoring targets at the beginning of the season. It gives me something to aim for."

Croft was a promising rugby league player for Orrell St James and his displays on the wing attracted Wigan and Widnes.

But he decided to opt for a football career instead. "I love the game and City have a great youth set-up," he said.

"They are highly rated and people like Paul Power give you a lot of help and encouragement."

While Proffitt, Croft and Raven have all played for the national schools side, Watt has progressed to the Under-16 team.

He was also the youngest Blackburn player to feature in the FA Youth Cup final when they lost to Arsenal over two legs last season.

"It was great to play at a stadium like Highbury in a national final," he said.

"Although we lost it was good experience and I love the atmosphere at Blackburn.

"I had the chance to go to a number of clubs but I knew I would be treated properly here."

"You look at lads like David Dunn and realise how far you can go if you have the right attitude.

"My ambition this season is to get the call to train with the first-team down at Brockhall.

"That would be a big step then I want to break into the first-team by the time I'm 19 or 20."