Max Dowman (Image: Shutterstock)
Max Dowman (Image: Shutterstock)
Emile Heskey believes a loan move to Celtic or Rangers could help fast-track the development of Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman.
The former England striker reckons the teenage sensation would benefit from a temporary move away from north London, provided Arsenal pick the right club to aid his progress.
Heskey believes Dowman has all the tools to become a regular in Mikel Arteta's first team in the near future. He said: "Max Dowman going out on loan? I could see huge benefits, but you'd have to pick the right team for him to go and play for, taking a real hands-on approach. [Casinolyze]
"That kid is the real deal, so you need to ensure he gets the right game time and environment in a structure that suits him."
Dowman has already been tipped as one of the brightest talents to emerge from Arsenal's academy in recent years, and Heskey believes his pathway to the first team could be accelerated by a spell elsewhere.
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He added: "The sky's the limit for him. Even if he went on loan in January, I think by next season he could return and be a regular at Arsenal."
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker even suggested Scotland's two biggest clubs could offer the ideal environment for the youngster. Heskey said: "The only question is, where do you want to play him, and what position suits him best? Celtic or Rangers would be an interesting move.
"It'd be tough, but as the two biggest clubs up there, their style of football would likely match what Arsenal want to do, and he'd get regular game time."
Heskey also believes the physical demands of Scottish football could help prepare Dowman for the rigours of English football at the highest level. He added: "It would be a physical test as a young English lad, but it might help him grow."