England star Phil Foden told former Hythe striker Alfie May he was a great player after his goal gave Manchester City an FA Cup fright.

May stabbed home a flick from a long throw to give League 2 Cheltenham the lead against Pep Guardiola's side.

They were nine minutes from what BBC host Gary Lineker said would have been “possibly the biggest FA Cup shock of all time” when Foden levelled.

City went on to win 3-1 with further goals from Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres but much of the talk after the fourth-round tie centred on May.

Foden was seen on camera talking to May and revealed what he said in a post-match interview.

“I said he’s a great player,” said the England international.

“I think he’s their most influential player. I said you had a great game and your team did well today.”

May was also praised by pundit Micah Richards following his goal.

“It’s a great finish,” said the former City defender. “He’s just ghosted in there, it’s a big moment, it’s what the FA Cup is all about, it’s magical moments.

"He can remember this for the rest of his life and he didn’t stop working all game. He fully deserved his goal.”

A prolific spell at Hythe saw May join Doncaster for an undisclosed fee four years ago.

He scored 23 goals in 118 appearances for Rovers before signing for Cheltenham last January, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win over Oldham.

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