Pep Guardiola hailed James McAtee’s “special” talent after his FA Cup hat-trick, as he insisted the Manchester City midfielder can still get much better.

The 22-year-old scored three times in 19 minutes against Salford, helping his side cruise to an 8-0 victory and into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

This was only McAtee’s third start this season, with the other two coming in the League Cup, and he has played just 36 minutes in the Premier League.

However, he shone in the second-half against League Two side Salford, scoring his first with a clever finish at the near post, before converting from close-range after controlling Phil Foden’s shot and then sealing the hat-trick on the stretch from Jack Grealish’s cross.

“I’m so happy for him, he’s a special player,” Guardiola said.

“Making a hat-trick is not easy. He started a bit flat I would say, but after he has an incredible sense in front of the goal. He has the right tempo, changed the rhythm to score and really happy for him.”

McAtee came off the bench in recent Premier League wins over Leicester and West Ham, suggesting he could have a greater role to play in the second-half of the season.

Asked if the hat-trick display against Salford had given him a selection dilemma for the weeks ahead, Guardiola emphasised that McAtee’s ability has not come as a surprise to him.

“It depends on him - of course the manager to select him to play but [also] his performance,” the City boss said.

“Of course he can play better. He scored three goals but he can play better, the first-half was not his best. But his work ethic, his composure and his rhythm - he’s a special player.

“He’s a City supporter, in the academy for many, many years. He was one of the biggest talents for his generation of Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Liam Delap.

“He was playing with these guys and always he was the captain of them. I’m really, really pleased he’s here with us.”