ARSENAL youngsters Joseph Oluwu and Mark McGuinness trained with the first-team ahead of tonight’s clash against Standard Liege.
Freddie Ljungberg is expected to make the most of his young guns when his side play their final Europa League group stage game in Belgium.
Joseph Olowu broke into the Under-23 squad at just 18 years of ageCredit: Getty – Contributor
Arsenal have the youngest squad in the Premier League – with an average age of 25.1.
And Ljungberg has proved he is open to giving the youngsters a chance during his reign at the Emirates.
The interim boss immediately promoted Tyreece John-Jules, 18, to first-team training when he took charge.
And he has now invited defensive duo Oluwu, 20, and McGuinness, 18, to train with the senior stars.
Oluwu was scouted by the Gunners at the age of 13 during his spell with Charlton.
He progressed through the ranks as a centre-back, but was deployed as a right-back during Ljungberg’s time in charge of the Under-23s.
The 20-year-old admitted that growing up he idolised Manchester United veterans Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
And he will be hoping to prove himself to Ljungberg on the training ground after recovering from a catalogue of injuries.
On the club website, Oluwu is described as “calm in possession and a towering presence in defence.”
Academy graduate McGuiness, who has been with the club since he was 10 years old, also joined him at the training ground.
He penned his first professional contract with the club in April after making 18 appearances for Under-18s last season.
Both of the youngsters featured in the Under-23s 3-2 Premier League 2 victory over Blackburn after being starting on the bench.
Mark McGuinness joined the club at the age of 10Credit: Getty – Contributor
Arsenal have all-but secured their qualification to the next round of the Europa League – but will be axed if they lose by five or more goals and Eintracht Frankfurt beat Vitoria SC in Germany.
Ljungberg is expected to switch up his squad after this weekend’s 3-1 win over West Ham ended their dire run of results.
Arsenal teenager Zech Medley is set to make his full debut for the Gunners – who will be without Kieran Tierney.
Freddie Ljungberg’s side will take on Standard Liege in the Europa LeagueCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
