Declan Rice and Nathan Holland are missing in the early squad named for tonight’s clash with Everton in the opening Premier Leage 2 Division One match at Dagenham and Redbridge (7 pm).
And that appears to indicate the pair will be travelling with the first team to Old Trafford this weekend for the Irons opener at Manchester United unless they are added to Terry Westley’s squad later in the day.
The 18 year old Under 23s skipper Rice was hugely impressive throughout pre-season in Austria and Germany and it would come as no surprise if he appears at some stage during the Old Trafford 90 minutes having made his first team debut at Burnley in the final game of last season.
Michail Antonio is booked for a run out tonight as he prepares himself for his first team return along with new £3 million midfield signing Sead Haskabanovic.
Tonight’s game could see and central defender Josh Pask wearing the captain’s armband should Rice be absent as appears to be the case.
And the likely team against the Division One champs of last season will be Trott; Pike, Pask, Neufville, Powell, Makasi, Kemp, Antonio, Haksabanovic, Martinez and Samuelsen
Not only great for Holland and Rice but will show the other kids coming through that youth will be given a chance if they get some minutes under their belts at Utd or in other matches.
Good they deserve it and Rice for me would be great in the middle if we play back 3. He is composed and smart footballer. Big things for him.. Think Holland is Fantastic as well him and Rice were great In Preseason but I think a Loan might be best for him with LW options.
But it is exciting to see the youngsters getting on the bench and getting priase. Hopefully the Academy days are coming back contrary to what Gold said.
Academy is important and even if to be like Chelsea and make Money but prefer to do a lil both make great players who are loyal