Andre Harriman-Annous stakes claim for competitive senior debut against Port Vale

It could be a significant week for the Arsenal academy as the U21s commence their EFL Trophy campaign away to Newport County on Tuesday, with the first-team in Carabao Cup action with a trip to face Port Vale the following night.

Given the impressive strength in depth of the first-team squad there may not be too many opportunities for academy players against Port Vale despite the opposition.

Max Dowman, though, seems highly likely to be included, with the 15-year-old having scored for the U21s against Wolves yesterday.

The other Arsenal player to find the net in that game, Andre Harriman-Annous, will also hope to be in contention to feature against Port Vale following an impressive brace.

Harriman-Annous scored his first goals of the season against Wolves, which included a neat finish and a late winner from the penalty spot.

In addition to his goalscoring exploits, the 17-year-old led the line well throughout the game as he linked play impressively.

There have been times in the early stages of this season when the forward hasn’t received as much service as he would have liked but Harriman-Annous has always kept working hard in search of opportunities.

The club’s faith in him is clear from the fact that he has continued to feature prominently for the U21s and U19s this season despite still being eligible for the U18s.

Having featured for the first-team in pre-season and then having been named on the bench against Liverpool in the Premier League, a competitive senior debut is Harriman-Annous’ next objective.

Although the likes of Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino are capable of playing up front if Viktor Gyokeres is rested, Harriman-Annous will hope that he will at least be afforded the opportunity to feature as a substitute against Port Vale.

Harriman-Annous’ goals against Wolves couldn’t have been better timed and now he will be aiming to take another significant step in his development.