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Smith aims
to be part of Arsenal’s young guns
Theo’s not the only hot new signing coming up through the
ranks
ARSENAL’S young guns were buoyed by a goal from Theo
Walcott on Monday – but the new signing is not the only
promising teenager on the Gunners’ books.
Islington born Ryan Smith, 19, is back from his loan spell at
Leicester and says he is eager to be part of an exciting young
squad.
He said: “We’ve got a new young team coming through
and I want to be a part of that.”
The former Highbury Grove School pupil was the fourth-youngest
player to run out for Arsenal’s first team after making
his debut in the League Cup against Rotherham in 2003.
He joined Championship side Leicester on loan in September and
says his time with the side that knocked Spurs out of the FA
Cup has improved his game.
“I enjoyed it,” he said. “I learnt a lot, more
so on the defensive side of the game.
“That league requires people to graft for every ball and
I learnt to do that, so I’m trying to do that now and show
Arsene Wenger I can do both sides.”
Smith’s new team mate Walcott certainly showed his promise
in the reserves match, scoring on his home debut at Barnet.
Whether he will feature in the side that take on Premiership
strugglers Portsmouth at the weekend remains to be seen.
But Highbury boss Wenger must be pleased with his progress,
alongside that of Sol Campbell and Robin Van Perise.
Their return from injury remains on course after they played
on Monday and reserve manager Neil Banfield said: “It’s
another game under their belt which is good for the squad.”
Spurs will continue their battle with Arsenal for the fourth
Champions League spot when they take on strugglers West Brom
on Monday.
Spurs lost out to West Brom 2-0 when the two sides met in December.
Former Gunner Kanu delivered the killer goals in that match
at the Hawthorns.
But the Baggies have struggled since then and have only taken
one point in five games.
It’s a run that has seen them mired in the relegation dogfight
– a situation Spurs will look to capitalise on. |
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