Image: Arsenal
As Arsenal U18s edged past Hertford Town to reach the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup last night it was evident that Adam Birchall has some exciting midfield options at his disposal.
Dan Casey scored a brace as he took his tally for the season to 12 overall, while Louie Copley was also on the scoresheet.
Both players have amassed plenty of experience at U18 level and have also featured for the U19s.
As the campaign wears on it is hoped that both Copley and Casey will be afforded chances to impress for the U21s.
The pair have already had some involvement at that level – Copley was an unused substitute against Manchester City in Premier League 2 last season, while Casey scored a fine goal against Enfield Town in pre-season.
Copley, who joined Arsenal as a schoolboy from West Ham’s academy, is a hard working player who also has a lot of flair. The prospect is capable of getting into dangerous attacking areas with regularity.
Casey, meanwhile, has demonstrated his prowess in front of goal and is also very impressive technically. Although he is the youngest player in his scholarship year at Arsenal he is an excellent prospect.
The U21s currently have many options with regards to the two attacking midfield slots, despite Ethan Nwaneri’s involvement with the first-team.
Salah-Eddine, Jimi Gower, Ismail Oulad M’hand and Harrison Dudziak are all fully-fledged members of the U21 squad and 14-year-old Max Dowman is now pushing for further involvement at that level.
However, if some of the older players (Salah-Eddie for instance) move on in January either permanently or on loan then chances could become available for Copley and Casey at that level.
Both players certainly deserve to be rewarded for their impressive performances.