Town boss Mick McCarthy says he’ll be surprised if 17-year-old loan winger Ainsley Maitland-Niles doesn’t end up being an outstanding player for parent club Arsenal. Maitland-Niles is with the Blues for the duration of the season.

“He is an outstanding player,“ McCarthy said. “If he doesn’t end up being outstanding for Arsenal I’ll be very surprised.

"Thanks to Arsene for lending him to us and he’s doing us a right turn at the minute."

He believes that the England U17 and U18 international is destined for the top and that Town fans should enjoy watching him while he’s at the club.

“Absolutely,” he added. “He looks like a slight lad but he gets about, puts his foot in, does all the jobs that wingers don’t traditionally do - tracking back with the full-back, putting his foot in.

“But he’s got real quality, and he’s a lovely kid, he really is, smashing. It’s lovely to have him. We’re blessed that we’ve got him.”

Photo: Action Images

Hegansheroes added 06:10 - Aug 20 Looks like he loves being with us judging by the grin on his face after the Burnley match
6

footyblue added 06:46 - Aug 20 he looks a fabulous prospect and I hope Josh Emmanuel and Myles Kenlock do for us if they get another look in
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hoppy added 07:29 - Aug 20 “But he's got real quality, and he's a lovely kid, he really is, smashing. It's lovely to have him. We're blessed that we've got him.” Sounds a bit like Tabby there...
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flashblue added 08:01 - Aug 20 Gut feeling: he's a good player, but won't reach Top level or be an international. So lower level premiership or upper championship.
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Bluebell added 08:07 - Aug 20 Agreed Mick. He will be a great player and already is. We are lucky to have him for a year.
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ntoms97 added 11:41 - Aug 20 Hopefully that doesn't mean Mick will leave it after this season! Cost will definitely be an issue: young, potential oozing out of him, showing good quality already. Would love to see Mick get him on a perm, but have a feeling that will cost Tyrone and Cressy's money
0

docsavage52 added 12:43 - Aug 20 lets hope he isnt burnt out by christmas
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