A talented goalkeeper who has been capped by England at U16 level, Jack Porter has stepped up to play for Arsenal U18s in recent weeks despite still being a schoolboy.
With Brian Okonkwo suspended, an opportunity has presented itself for Porter to feature, and he was involved in the defeat to Fulham and the victory against Crystal Palace, being chosen ahead of fellow U16 shot-stoppers Khari Ranson and Owen Asemota.
Porter has impressive reflexes and has been monitored by Jack Wilshere and his coaching staff for some time having been selected to train with the U18 team before several games in the FA Youth Cup last season.
There remains some uncertainty over who Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper will be at U18 level next season, with Porter, Ranson and Asemota all set to be in contention if they sign scholarship contracts.
It is somewhat unusual to have three goalkeepers of such a high standard in one intake but Arsenal will be eager to keep all of them and ensure that they develop well.
The club recently made the decision to release Noah Cooper, while it remains to be seen what will happen with Alexei Rojas, who could step up to the U21s.
Porter is doing all he can to put himself in pole position to be the main goalkeeper for the U18s over the next couple of seasons.
There are eight games remaining this campaign for Arsenal U18s, who are currently in fifth place in the table.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Sounds like a Michael cane character, ” my name is Jack Porter, now behave yourself because I am a lot younger and a lot fitter”. Ha ha.good luck to him, hope he does well.
Saw some highlights of the Palace game and thought he looked pretty good.