THAI-HARD

Rico's flying with help from kick-boxing dad

- JOHN CROSS

RICO LEWIS got tough with himself over the summer both on and off the pitch.

Manchester City teenager Lewis took the opportunity in pre-season to nail down a starting place in Pep Guardiola's line-up with his club mates still at the Euros.

But Lewis, 19, also worked hard in the gym with his dad Rick (inset), a two-time Thai kick-boxing champion who has helped turn the 5ft 7in England star into a hard nut.

Lewis said: "I knew England umbro doing were really well in the Euros and that meant the lads like John Stones and Kyle Walker would be coming late and that would give me opportunities on the tour and then the first few games.

"I had to be on it and I had to be fit so I could play. Just focus and every time I had the chance to play, just take it. I just want to continue focusing as much as I can.