First-team involvement provides Foran with incentive

Arsenal faced QPR in a friendly at London Colney yesterday, with U18s defender Taylor Foran included as part of the matchday squad.

The centre-back, who possesses impressive leadership qualities, got to train with the squad before the game, with Jack Wilshere also involved in the session.

Foran has been a regular for the U18s this season and frequently captains the team. A player who is adept at making precisely-timed interceptions, he has worked to improve other aspects of his game, such as his passing.

The 17-year-old will hope to be involved with the first-team on many more occasions in the future but his immediate priority will be to earn a professional contract.

Foran’s scholarship deal expires at the end of the season, but, given the progress that he has made, it seems very likely that the club will give him a new deal.

There is still much work for Foran to do if he is to succeed at Arsenal, with the club able to call upon other talented young centre-backs such as Omar Rekik, Zane Monlouis, Alex Kirk and Mazeed Ogungbo, while Daniel Ballard has done very well out on loan over the past couple of seasons.

If he continues to progress then Foran has a chance of getting into the senior squad eventually, or at least making an impact elsewhere.

The youngster’s callup for yesterday’s game should provide him with an extra incentive to develop further.

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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird