As we near the halfway point of the campaign Ceadach O’Neill can certainly be pleased with his contribution so far at youth level.
O’Neill showed some glimpses of his ability during his first season at the club but he has really stepped up this campaign to the extent that he has arguably been Arsenal’s standout performer at U18 level.
The versatile attacker has scored with regularity – he has found the net seven times in eight league games for the U18s – and appears to relish playing up front, while he is also capable of making an impact out wide. He has also scored twice in four appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
O’Neill, 17, has featured for both Arsenal and Northern Ireland U21s and made his senior debut for his previous club Linfield.
The youngster’s dribbling and directness are very encouraging but perhaps his standout attribute is his determination to make an impact even in difficult circumstances, which should prove useful in senior football.
O’Neill is likely to play a prominent part in Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup campaign, which will get underway next month with an away game against Mansfield Town.
Last season O’Neill was involved as Arsenal reached the quarter-finals of the competition, where they were eliminated by Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have a strong squad, with the likes of Max Dowman, Marli Salmon and Andre Harriman-Annous eligible to feature at that level, although the latter suffered an injury recently.
—
Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird