The central-midfielder played a delightful first-time pass to Croft on the right side of the box, where Croft thumped home the equaliser at Fulham.
And it was a combination that has worked to great effect as the pair have come through the youth ranks together at City.
"Stevie Ireland played one of his blindside passes, which he’s done for me over the years, and it was up to me to take it out of my feet," Croft told the official City website. "The keeper rushed out and I just slotted it into the corner.
"We’ve played together for a good few years now - I’ve grown up with him. People have said that we have a bit of a bond because he’s always looking to play me in behind full-backs and I’ll always make those runs for him. I think it’s a good combination."
Although Croft was disappointed his goal couldn't provide the platform for another City win, the England youth international was delighted to claim his first senior goal, as you could see by his celebration!
Croft added: "The England managers through the youth teams always used to say that I didn’t get enough goals for the type of player that I am, so in my second start to score my first Premier League goal is a dream come true."
The jet-heeled 20-year-old also came through his first full senior game, and believes a change in approach helped him.
"It was nice to last the full 90 minutes," he said. "I did try to pace myself a bit better. I tried to take my mind off things before the game and tried to get rid of that nervous energy."