Ryan Harpur believes the 16-year-old has the talent and mentality to succeed after joining Arsenal’s 2026/27 scholarship intake.
Daniel McCarron has been backed to make the most of his move to Arsenal, with Dungannon Swifts assistant manager Ryan Harpur comparing the 16-year-old defender to Jonny Evans at the same age.
Dungannon confirmed earlier this week that McCarron had officially completed his move to Arsenal as part of the club’s 2026/27 scholarship intake, though the Gunners are still to make their own announcement.
The Northern Irish defender made eight appearances in the NIFL U20 Premiership Development League during the 2025/26 campaign and was also a key figure for Dungannon’s under-18s as they finished third in the Academy League and won the Mid Ulster Youth Cup.
The Swifts said McCarron had recently attended pre-season training with the club to say his goodbyes, adding that they were “incredibly proud of Daniel” and “[looking] forward to watching the next chapter of his journey at Arsenal FC unfold”.
Club general manager Simon Graham also sent his best wishes, saying: “Wishing Daniel McCarron the very best of luck as he moves on to continue his football journey with Arsenal. Enjoy every minute!”
Harpur has now told the Belfast Telegraph that McCarron has the qualities and temperament to succeed, while stressing that the hard work begins now.
“He’s a good lad and player,” he said. “I was taking the teams above his age group but he always played up.
“For about three years I have watched him develop. I have said it to him he reminds me of Jonny Evans when Jonny was his age.
“I was around the same age as Jonny. Daniel is an all-round talent, good with both feet, is strong and quick. He speaks very well for his age and he does remind me of Jonny who I played with in international teams.
“Jonny was always destined for the top as he was a step ahead of the rest of us.
“It was clear how good he was. I would have said back then that Jonny will make it and I feel the same way about Dan.
“He’s joining the Premier League champions and the hard work starts now,” said Harpur who enjoyed League Cup success with Dungannon.
“I think he knows that, he’s a quite level-headed young lad.
“He will work hard on his game and give himself every chance.
“The set-up is brilliant at Arsenal and they have been looking at Dan for close to two years.
“They brought him to Brazil and other countries, the level of detail they go into to prepare him for a move across the water is unbelievable.
“He is used to playing up against older lads and that has helped his progress.
“He made his debut before the Cup final which was nice but he’s still at the beginning of what should be an exciting journey.
“There’s been a strong Irish connection with Arsenal from Liam Brady to (Shamrock Rovers manager) Stephen Bradley, Anthony Stokes, Dean Shiels.
“This game is about taking opportunities.
“Dungannon’s production line speaks for itself. Now Terry Devlin who went on to Glentoran and has kicked on at club and international level is being linked with clubs. There will be more to come as this club keeps producing top young players.
“Myself and (Swifts coach) Chris Hegarty have been looking after him along with other coaches and we have had that cross channel experience,” he added.
“His career starts now — what he has done before is gone and now he must step up and learn at Arsenal.
“You’re a full-time player now, so make a good impression and show what you can do. Talent must be accompanied with hard work.
“I think he has the right mindset to do well at Arsenal and enjoy a good career.
“There are a lot of variables, you need to be fortunate with injuries and feel like you belong but if he keeps working hard he will do well.
“I would love to see him become the next Jonny Evans. He comes from a good family in Fermanagh and I would love to see him do really well. I’m confident he will.”
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