It had already been a memorable season for Ceadach O’Neill, with the youngster having been named on the bench for two FA Cup ties for the Arsenal first-team.
The versatile youngster has now followed that up by making his senior international debut for Northern Ireland at the age of 18.
During the season it had become apparent how highly O’Neill, who can play as a striker, out wide or as an attacking midfielder, is rated within the Northern Ireland setup as he was called up to his country’s U21 squad, playing well above his age group.
O’Neill was then named in Northern Ireland’s latest senior squad and was brought on in the 64th minute of a 1-0 friendly victory against Guinea.
Another significant experience was to follow for O’Neill just a few days later as he entered the fray as a substitute again, this time away to France in a 3-1 defeat.
Playing against stars of the calibre of Kylian Mbappe at this stage of his development is superb experience for O’Neill and he will hope to be involved again when Northern Ireland return to action in the Nations League in September.
Before then O’Neill, who featured at senior level for his previous club Linfield, will be hoping to be involved with the Arsenal first-team in pre-season in some capacity.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird