Despite his Republic of Ireland international call-up midfielder Conor Coventry remains an under 23 player which may come as a surprise to many.
He was included on the bench earlier this season but now appears to be very much a part of the Premier League Division One side.
With seemingly only Mark Noble to call on as an alternative option for Declan Rice, it seems that for all the decent remarks from those who know about the lad, he is not even in consideration for a squad place from manager David Moyes.
The obvious question, therefore, seems to be whether Moyes rates the player quire as highly as others who have seen him develop.
Conor skippered the Irons youngsters to their fifth point in three games against Chelsea this week but the boys are still in deep relegation trouble at the foot of the table although they have closed the gap on those above them over recent games.
The lads are away at Manchester United tonight and should Conor be involved again it means he will almost certainly not be in consideration for the match against Leicester City.
If ever there was a time to review the potential of young players, surely it’s now. We must believe that Lanzini is a squad senior with Benrahma. So what is the status of Alves, Coventry, and also Ben Johnson? First team bench? It’s not that long ago a young Declan was blooded. Other big clubs are doing it, why are we reticent? Perhaps instead of bemoaning the absent we should be querying the ready?