Arsenal
Emery hails Smith-Rowe's example
Emile Smith-Rowe is the example Arsenal's youngsters should look to follow in their first-team quest, according to Unai Emery.
The Gunners boss watched as the 18-year-old scored his third goal in his last four appearances as the side eased to a 3-0 Europa League victory against Vorskla Poltava on Thursday, which secured top-spot in the group with a game to spare.
Fellow youngster Joe Willock was also on target, along with an Aaron Ramsey penalty, as Emery made 10 changes to his starting XI with one eye on Sunday's Premier League north London derby at home to Tottenham.
Striker Eddie Nketiah was handed his first senior start as Zech Medley, Bukayo Sako and Charlie Gilmour all came off the bench for their debuts - with Arsenal finishing the game with six teenagers on the pitch.
But the performance of Smith-Rowe was particularly eye-catching and Emery is keen for Arsenal's other youngsters to follow the England youth international into his squad on a regular basis.
"He's taken confidence and responsibility and steps with us," he said.
"Today his performance is very good. One good example for other young players. They have a lot of chances to help us today with this performance and also because we think they can help us.
"They need confidence playing matches, not only in training but also to take minutes in games like today.
"We have responsibility with the young players to show us if they can improve and stay with us."
Craig Smithson is a journalist with over two decades of experience at the keyboard. A life-long Middlesbrough fan, Craig has an in-depth knowledge of all football and is also a keen fan of boxing amongst other sports.
