ALAN Nielson is excited by the ‘conveyor-belt’ nature of Norwich City’s 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: “We always want players to be involved at higher levels; we welcome that.

“Playing in older age-groups is a learning curve, and a great experience. A lot of players have stepped up the Under-21s recently, so we’ll have another really young squad this weekend.

“We 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.

“They’re an honest group who are learning all the time. Generally our performances have been better at home so we’re looking to be really positive.

“We’re 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.

“I’m into my 14th week at the Club now and I’m really enjoying it,” the 43-year-old explained.

“We’ve 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.

“On Wednesday evenings I do bio-bands with Under-15s and below so it’s all ages really. I’ve really enjoyed working with everybody and it’s a great environment to be involved in.

“The 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 that’s ideal for their development.

“Sometimes they might not be completely ready, but you have to give them the opportunity in order to find out.”

CANARIES' FORM
L – 2-3 v Arsenal (H) 07/11/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League

L – 7-0 v Chelsea (A) 31/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League
D – 2-2 v Southampton (H) 24/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League
L – 2-0 v Reading (A) 17/10/2015 - Barclays U18s Premier League
L – 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.

U18s PREVIEW: ASTON VILLA

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