Young Canaries look to build on Gunners performance
ALAN Nielson is excited by the âconveyor-beltâ nature of Norwich Cityâs Academy, ahead of the Under-18s hosting Aston Villa at Colney Training Centre on Saturday (1pm).
A variety of factors has seen numerous youngsters pushed beyond their normal remit so far this term, with recent Development Squad debuts for first-year scholars Callum Ellesley and Owen Wallis.
The Professional Development Phase coach, who works with Under-18s manager Graeme Murty, told canaries.co.uk: âWe always want players to be involved at higher levels; we welcome that.
âPlaying in older age-groups is a learning curve, and a great experience. A lot of players have stepped up the Under-21s recently, so weâll have another really young squad this weekend.
âWe were very good against Arsenal, putting in a superb performance after a difficult time at Chelsea the week before. Following on from that, the lads have been excellent in training this week.
âTheyâre an honest group who are learning all the time. Generally our performances have been better at home so weâre looking to be really positive.
âWeâre looking forward to the game and are confident of securing the result we want."
Nielson joined the set-up at Colney on a full-time basis this summer, having previously been assistant manager at Cambridge United.
âIâm into my 14th week at the Club now and Iâm really enjoying it,â the 43-year-old explained.
âWeâve got a good set of coaches, and the Under-18s group have been great to work with. As a Professional Development Phase Coach I spend most of my time with them, but also work with the Under-16s.
âOn Wednesday evenings I do bio-bands with Under-15s and below so itâs all ages really. Iâve really enjoyed working with everybody and itâs a great environment to be involved in.Â
âThe Academy has a conveyor-belt at the moment, with everybody pushing up. It gives players the chance to test themselves at a higher level, and thatâs ideal for their development.
âSometimes they might not be completely ready, but you have to give them the opportunity in order to find out.â
L â 2-3 v Arsenal (H) 07/11/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier LeagueÂ
L â 7-0 v Chelsea (A) 31/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League Â
D â 2-2 v Southampton (H) 24/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League Â
L â 2-0 v Reading (A) 17/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier LeagueÂ
L â 0-3 v Tottenham Hotspur (H) 10/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League
D â 2-2 v Southampton (H) 24/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League Â
L â 2-0 v Reading (A) 17/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier LeagueÂ
L â 0-3 v Tottenham Hotspur (H) 10/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League
LAST NORWICH CITY U18s XI (v Arsenal)
Oxborough; Syme, Boateng, Sambu, Ellesley, Crowe, Da Costa, Black, Couzens, Jaiyesimi (McIntosh, 75), Aransibia. Subs not used: Hale-Brown (GK), Wallis, Pollock, Kamal.Â