U23 Players 2020-21

[tetsujin1979]

Shane Flynn named on the bench in the Premier League for Leicester for the first time
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[Olé Olé]

How likely is he to get a run? I assume he's covering left back and left wing and wing back so Thomas and Fuchs might be ahead of him in the queue. Still, great going.

[tetsujin1979]

I'd say low to medium. He was on the bench for a few of their Europa League games and didn't see a minute of action. On the other hand, Brighton are no great shakes at the moment and Rogers might give him a run if Leicester do well

[CraftyToePoke]

How likely is he to get a run? I assume he's covering left back and left wing and wing back so Thomas and Fuchs might be ahead of him in the queue. Still, great going.

Seven injuries, six first team regulars and the other a squad defender are a factor here, whatever about the EL bench apps. But however the opportunity arrives he has to make the most of it if it happens. Good progress nonetheless.

[tetsujin1979]

New contract at Arsenal for Jordan McEneff
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[tetsujin1979]

Seamus Keogh lining out for Southampton U23s today against Blackburn, live stream on Blackburn's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSIRBe4MrYo

[tetsujin1979]

Ethon Varian nominated for PL2 Player of the Month for February: https://www.premierleague.com/news/2050753

[liamoo11]

New contract at Arsenal for Jordan McEneff
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The statement from his agent makes it sound like they are giving him a contract to let him get fit again and maybe prove himself. He has been injured a huge amount unfortunately

[liamoo11]

Ethon Varian nominated for PL2 Player of the Month for February: https://www.premierleague.com/news/2050753

This lad is an interesting one. Is he anywhere near involvement with stokes first team?

[Eirambler]

This lad is an interesting one. Is he anywhere near involvement with stokes first team?

I read a thread on him previously where some Stoke fans that follow their youth players were of the view that he was good, but would maybe fall just short of Championship standard - at least in the early part of his career. Might be one that drops down to League 1 or League 2 and builds back up from there. Similar age to Parrott and Odubeko so plenty of time for him to develop yet though.

[Exgrad]

Hasn't been capped by Ireland at underage yet, has he? He also had a non league loan all ready, all though think it was well down the divisions.

[tetsujin1979]

Hasn't been capped by Ireland at underage yet, has he? He also had a non league loan all ready, all though think it was well down the divisions.

He played for the U18s in 2018 - https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/ireland-u18-stalemate-in-tramore-against-wales - although they spell his name "Ethan" here

[tetsujin1979]

First professional contract at Everton for Tom Cannon
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[tetsujin1979]

Harvey Neville and Charlie McCann starting for Man United's U23, lining up opposite James Furlong and Evan Ferguson for Brighton's U23s
Live on MUTV if you have a subscription
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[tetsujin1979]

New contract for Shane Flynn at Leicester
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[Trequartista20]

Young Arsenal centre-back, Mark McGuinness, after being a regular at Ipswich for much of the season, has been relegated to the U-23 side, a victim of Ipswich only being able to name 5 loanees in a matchday squad.

[Trequartista20]

Just how good are the United lads, McCann and Neville? Are they highly rated? I've seen not seen much of them.

Anyone know?

[seanfhear]

Young Arsenal centre-back, Mark McGuinness, after being a regular at Ipswich for much of the season, has been relegated to the U-23 side, a victim of Ipswich only being able to name 5 loanees in a matchday squad.
I suppose its only fair or else some clubs would have 11 Loanee’s.

[elatedscum]

Just how good are the United lads, McCann and Neville? Are they highly rated? I've seen not seen much of them.

Anyone know?

McCann was highly rated 2-3 years ago, maybe he still is. I don’t really see it. Don’t think either will be a full international

[Razors left peg]

Is it surprising that McCann wasnt called up for the 21s ?

[elatedscum]

Is it surprising that McCann wasnt called up for the 21s ?

He’s a 2002 boy, so he’s pretty young for 21s. Also I’d have the likes of Smallbone, Noss, Kavanagh ahead of him (who are 2000-01) and Finn. Haven’t seen much of Watson but he made his debut for Derby a few days ago. Not sure where in midfield he plays. Kilkenny can also play in midfielder or out wide. I have a feeling there’s another attacking midfielder who I like more too but I’ve forgotten... Coffey maybe.

He’s probably in that tier of guy who has the ability to suddenly have a jump in level of performance but it hasn’t had it happen for him yet. Right now, I’d say he’d be a fringe member of the 21s campaign after this one.

[Razors left peg]

He’s a 2002 boy, so he’s pretty young for 21s. Also I’d have the likes of Smallbone, Noss, Kavanagh ahead of him (who are 2000-01) and Finn. Haven’t seen much of Watson but he made his debut for Derby a few days ago. Not sure where in midfield he plays. Kilkenny can also play in midfielder or out wide. I have a feeling there’s another attacking midfielder who I like more too but I’ve forgotten... Coffey maybe.

He’s probably in that tier of guy who has the ability to suddenly have a jump in level of performance but it hasn’t had it happen for him yet. Right now, I’d say he’d be a fringe member of the 21s campaign after this one.

Joe Hodge possibly?

[tetsujin1979]

Hodge is out injured: https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/manchester-citys-joe-hodge-could-be-back-at-derry-city-in-weeks-3163135

[elatedscum]

Joe Hodge possibly? was probably thinking Jamie Bowden. I excluded hodge due to injury. Not really sure the eligibility of Hondermarck and En-Neyah but I’d also have them both ahead

[Trequartista20]

Is Bowden fit and available? Didn't he make the Spurs bench recently? I'm not sure what sort of midfielder he is. Does anyone have any information?

[tetsujin1979]

Is Bowden fit and available? Didn't he make the Spurs bench recently? I'm not sure what sort of midfielder he is. Does anyone have any information?
Bowden scored a penalty for Spurs' U23 side this afternoon
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Was named on the bench a few weeks ago away to Wolfsberger
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[Trequartista20]

Obviously fit for selection, then. Why was he left out?

[tetsujin1979]

Odubeko with a hat trick tonight against Man United's U23s
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[Yard of Pace]

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Goals here. The second and third.....very nice goals....it's exciting stuff

[samhaydenjr]

A couple of goals for Irish players today:

Ninth goal of the season for Ethon Varian - hopefully this is a sign that he might see some game-time at senior level before the end of the season, particularly with Stoke sitting in mid-table: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62213/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

Dara Costelloe seems to be going along well at U23 level, scoring the equalizer for Burnley against Norwich: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62212/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[tetsujin1979]

Calum Kavanagh came off the bench for his first appearance for Middlesbrough's U23 side today, and assisted the only goal of the game for them against Fulham, who had Oliver O'Neil in their starting XI
https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/boro-u23s-1-fulham-u23s-0

[Eirambler]

Completely separate to the ongoing discussion here but I just watched an interview with Ireland under 21 eligible striker Ruari Paton on BBC Scotland. Unusual interview in that he was interviewed at half time in a game where he is so far an unused substitute in (Stranraer v Hibs in the Scottish Cup). Haven't seen that before in football. Came across as quite an interesting interviewee, had a bit of a moan about not getting picked for the game, said he fancied himself for a goal in the second half if he got on and then talked about his unusual goal celebrations which were shown during the interview. Seemed to have a lot of character about him, just came across very differently to your average footballer interview. Probably a good bit down the pecking order for our Under 21s though.

[CraftyToePoke]

Completely separate to the ongoing discussion here but I just watched an interview with Ireland under 21 eligible striker Ruari Paton on BBC Scotland. Unusual interview in that he was interviewed at half time in a game where he is so far an unused substitute in (Stranraer v Hibs in the Scottish Cup). Haven't seen that before in football. Came across as quite an interesting interviewee, had a bit of a moan about not getting picked for the game, said he fancied himself for a goal in the second half if he got on and then talked about his unusual goal celebrations which were shown during the interview. Seemed to have a lot of character about him, just came across very differently to your average footballer interview. Probably a good bit down the pecking order for our Under 21s though.

I see he has played u16 for us and was at Belvedere before his various clubs in Scotland. What accent does he have ?

[Eirambler]

I see he has played u16 for us and was at Belvedere before his various clubs in Scotland. What accent does he have ?

Still has his Dublin accent. Very Scottish sounding name though so possibly has a link to Scotland also. Went to Hibs from Belvedere but had a bad time with injuries there and was released. Was lively enough when he came on today, would have had an assist only for a great save from the Hibs keeper. Didn't get his goal but then Stranraer were outgunned and didn't get forward much. I'll keep more of an eye on him from now on after that interview, just came across as the kind of lad you'd like to see do well in the game. Stranraer aren't full time so I don't know if he has a day job alongside the football or if he's hoping to get back to a full time professional level.

[seanfhear]

Any chance of getting the Dublin Dons in to this New Elite League ?

By the way I actually mean ~ Defund these Renegade Clubs. Stop giving them your money.

[samhaydenjr]

Update from the weekend:
A number of goalscorers:
- As mentioned elsewhere, Mipo Odubeko scored a brace for West Ham against Everton: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62065/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc - that's 12 goals in nine games at underage level this season for him
- George Nunn scored Chelsea's final goal in their 4-1 defeat of Spurs: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62064/premier-league-2/2020-21/spurs-v-chelsea
- Conor Carty got Wolves' goal in their 1-1 draw with West Brom: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62221/premier-league-2/2020-21/wolves-v-west-brom

Bunch of assists for Irish U23s
- Evan Ferguson set up Brighton's first against Derby: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62062/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc
- Ethon Varian got the assist for Stoke's winner against Newcastle: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62222/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc
- After 16 goals in 30 appearances at U18 level (and just shy of 20 full games based on minutes played), Calum Kavanagh stepped up to U23 level for a 20-minute sub appearance and 5 minutes later set up the only goal in the game between Middlesbrough and Fulham - I might be adding him to my list soon, if he keeps this up: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62218/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc
- Dara Costelloe was credited with assisting Burnley's second against Reading: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62220/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

[tetsujin1979]

Odubeko's goals here
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[SkStu]

Might not be the right thread but Caden McLoughlin (16) signed a professional deal with Villarreal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CN-k5_MDKrn/?igshid=gflbek6hkbk2

[Razors left peg]

Graham Kavanaghs son Callum scored 2 on his 1st start for the Middlesboro u23s today

[MancIrishWolf]

Encouraging insight on Kavanagh’s development from one of the Boro forums:

“Just to be clear on Kavanaghs goals today, these are his first goals at U23 level. His previous goals have been U18, FA Youth Cup and Premier League Cup level (U17). So big step up for him today, seems he was up to it. That's 20 in total for the season, in just 22 games, take a bow son.

2 goals (and an assist) in 2 games (only 91 mins though) at U23 level
11 goals (and 4 assists) in 13 U18 games
3 goals in 3 games in the FA Youth Cup
4 in 4 games for the Premier League Youth Cup, we have scored TWENTY goals in 5 games in this competition

Last season, while still at school, he scored 6 goals in just 5 starts and 8 sub appearances.

Remember, he only started training full time as a professional 8 months ago. Not many strikers score 2 in 2 at U23 level when they're still only 17. He's way ahead of expectations at the moment.“

To quote the genial Life of Brian, it looks like we’ve found ourselves the new Messiah! I should know, I’ve followed a few!

[tetsujin1979]

Wolves U23 V Norwich is on YouTube at the moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDj91WJMNiM
Lewis Richards starting for Wolves, Conor Carty on the bench, with Sam Blair and Tony Springett starting for Norwich and Josh Giurgi among the substitutes

[samhaydenjr]

Scorers for this weekend so far at U23 levels so far:

Coventry and Odubeko lined out for West Ham against Arsenal today and both scored a penalty: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62073/premier-league-2/2020-21/arsenal-v-west-ham

George Nunn may have started to settle in at U23 level, scoring the only goal for Chelsea against Blackburn, his second in three games: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62074/premier-league-2/2020-21/tbc-v-tbc

And an assist for Josh Giurgi in Norwich's draw with West Brom: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62230/premier-league-2/2020-21/norwich-v-west-brom

[samhaydenjr]

Two goals in two days for Thomas Cannon, today at U23 level against Southampton. Michael Obafemi returned after surgery, playing forty-five minutes: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62077/premier-league-2/2020-21/southampton-v-everton

[tetsujin1979]

U18 player Jaden Charles made his career debut yesterday, as a substitute for Mansfield
https://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/2021/may/match-report-for-mansfield-town-vs-oldham-athletic-on-01-may-21/

[samhaydenjr]

Cork City Loanee Jake O'Brien scored twice for Crystal Palace against Middlesbrough - Palace have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season so hopefully this will help City's coffers a little: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62232/premier-league-2/2020-21/crystal-palace-v-middlesbrough

17-year-old Olamide Ibrahim on target for Derby in their defeat to Man United - Charlie McCann set up one of United's goals: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62078/premier-league-2/2020-21/derby-v-man-utd-u23

Shane Flynn credited with and assist for Leicester against Liverpool: https://www.premierleague.com/match/62076/premier-league-2/2020-21/liverpool-v-leicester

[tommy_c12000]

Nice to see Travers save a penalty in regular time and during the penalty shootout, and score in regular time for Bournemouth under 21s in some Mickey Mouse regional final. Kilkenny also scored and was the standout.

Pretty selfish of Bournemouth to recall travers from Swindon where he was doing well just to sit on the bench. Ditto for Kilkenny, why was a loan move not arranged?

[Eirambler]

Well I suppose in Kilkenny's case it might be as simple as there not being any interest in loaning him from clubs.

The Travers thing is harder to defend though. As well as costing Travers valuable game time they really screwed Swindon over in the process. Now quite possibly they'd have been relegated anyway, but having to change keepers again not long after bringing Travers in can't have helped - he had started well there.

[Olé Olé]

Well I suppose in Kilkenny's case it might be as simple as there not being any interest in loaning him from clubs.

The Travers thing is harder to defend though. As well as costing Travers valuable game time they really screwed Swindon over in the process. Now quite possibly they'd have been relegated anyway, but having to change keepers again not long after bringing Travers in can't have helped - he had started well there.

Surely there was some team somewhere in the pyramid that would have taken Kilkenny? He has first team appearances, is an underage international.

I think the Travers thing is easier to defend. The first choice keeper is quite old, had an injury issue for a time and so they called Travers back to manage the risk. They put a recall clause in place. Swindon knew the terms of the deal. Everyone knew the terms of the deal- even Travers.

[samhaydenjr]

I think it's the last round of matches at U23 level and Ademipo Odubeko finished with yet another goal, assisted by Conor Coventry: https://www.premierleague.com/match/61998/premier-league-2/2020-21/west-ham-v-arsenal - it's his tenth league goal of the season, leaving him easily as The Hammers' top scorer (Coventry is joint second, with five) and joint fifth in the division... and he only played nine games! The only player in the division with a better goals per game ratio is the much-hyped Liam Delap, with 24 in 20. From our point of view, it's a pity West Ham aren't languishing in mid-table mediocrity, because we'd probably see him get significant game time in their final ties and Stephen Kenny could possibly consider him seriously for the June friendlies.

For comparison sake, in the season before he broke through to the first team, Aaron Connolly scored 11 goals in 15 games for Brighton's U23s; in his last season at this level Adam Idah knocked in 12 in 19; Michael Obafemi's 4 in 8 was enough to get him promoted to Southampton's first team in 2018/19; Troy Parrott has so far hit 5 in 12 at U23 level; and Anthony Scully scored 12 in 14 in his final underage season, but was more than two years older than Odubeko is now.

Elsewhere, Tom Cannon was credited with an assist for Everton against Southampton: https://www.premierleague.com/match/61999/premier-league-2/2020-21/everton-v-southampton

[Olé Olé]

Didn't realise the Championship was kicking off early today. Idah came on on 53 minutes with Norwich down 2-1. Equalized within a minute. Omobamidele starting.