Ceadach O’Neill has made his Northern Ireland debut before making his first senior appearance for Arsenal, playing in a friendly win over Guinea on Thursday.
Arsenal teenager Ceadach O’Neill is yet to make a first-team appearance for his club, with his appearances on the bench for FA Cup matches against Wigan Athletic and Southampton being the closest he’s come.
O’Neill was arguably not even an u21 player this season, making most of his appearances for the Arsenal u18s.
But it’s a different story internationally, with the young forward making his senior international debut for Northern Ireland on Thursday night.
O’Neill came off the bench for Northern Ireland for 26 minutes against Guinea, helping his team’s 10 men to see out a 1-0 victory. He may get another chance next week, when his team play another friendly against France on June 8th.
The teenager had a busy season with the Arsenal academy, playing across various levels.
For the u18s, the forward scored 11 goals and assisted one in just 16 appearances, an excellent return. He also scored two and assisted one in four games for the underperforming u19s in the UEFA Youth League.
O’Neill’s u21 minutes were more limited, but he scored two goals and assisted one in his seven starts. He’ll likely be an u21 starter next season, after ageing out of u18 football.
Northern Ireland have had a lot of luck with Arsenal youth products in the past, with Dan Ballard previously breaking into the senior national team whilst still with the Gunners academy. O’Neill is now the latest player to follow that same pathway.
- Arsenal set priority signing for 2027 transfer windowsArsenal are looking to sign a striker as a priority for the coming transfer windows, with Eli Junior Kroupi among the options being considered.
- Former Gunner’s agent reveals he could have stayed in Premier LeagueGabriel Martinelli’s agent has revealed that the player had multiple offers to remain in Europe and the Premier League, but the former Gunner ultimately wanted a fresh start.
- Arsenal star nominated for League Cup Player of the Round awardMax Dowman has been nominated for the League Cup Player of the Round award, following his performance for Arsenal away to Ipswich Town.
- National team boss insists Arsenal player ‘available’ despite missing matchNew Netherlands boss Xavi has insisted that Jurrien Timber is available, despite now missing both a training session and their opening game.
- 2 more Arsenal players called up late by England youth teamsTwo Arsenal youngsters have received late England youth call-ups, with the first youth internationals of the break kicking off on Wednesday.