Ceadach O’Neill amongst U18 prospects hoping for Arsenal U21 chance in pre-season

Last pre-season it was notable that a large contingent of U18 players received the opportunity to feature at U21 level and a similar scenario could occur this summer, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.

Yesterday it emerged that Andre Harriman-Annous and Max Dowman have travelled with the Arsenal first-team squad for their training camp in La Manga, with Josh Nichols and Ismeal Kabia also believed to have made the trip.

As a result an U21 squad that was already somewhat small in number and lacking depth in key positions has been decimated further.

Arsenal U21s get their pre-season programme underway on Saturday with the traditional game against Boreham Wood on Saturday and then make the short trip to take on St. Albans just three days later.

The U21s, who are still without a permanent coach following Mehmet Ali’s departure, often field many players in pre-season fixtures, so it seems inevitable that some U18s will have a part to play.

One prospect who could come into consideration is Ceadach O’Neill.

The 17-year-old winger has already signed a professional contract after joining last year from Linfield, for whom he made four senior appearances.

Northern Ireland youth international O’Neill has shown glimpses of his potential for Arsenal U18s and will aim to produce consistent performances this campaign as he targets a place in the U21 squad.

Forward Louis Zecevic John and Theo Julienne (who can play at right-back or in midfield) have been training with the U21 squad along with promising centre-back Marli Salmon.

There could also be some openings in midfield given Dowman’s absence, with first year scholars Maalik Hashi and Saurap Sampang (who have already been called up competitively at U21 level) amongst those who could be under consideration.

Ife Ibrahim, meanwhile, will hope for a chance at the base of the midfield and Alex Marciniak, who can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide, is another who could feature for the U21s.

First year scholar Marley Frohock, an exciting forward, is another interesting prospect, as is new signing Callan Hamill, who can play at right-back or centre-back.

Second year scholar centre-backs Sam Chapman and Samuel Onyekachukwu could also be required at some stage.

If players impress in pre-season then call-ups could follow when the real action gets underway at U21 level.

There will also be a further knock-on effect as U18s coach Adam Birchall may well have to delve into the U16 squad for further reinforcements.