Academy keeper Josh Bentley has been named in the UAE squad for their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, which get under way later this month.

The UAE youngsters’ group is being played in Thailand where they face the hosts in their opening game on August 31st, Iraq three days later and Turkmenistan on September 6th.

Bentley, 17, who has previously won U17s caps but is named in the U20s for the first time, was born in Dubai and grew up in South Woodham Ferrers in Essex.

He is the younger brother of fellow glovesman Daniel, formerly of Southend United, Brentford and Bristol City, and now a back-up stopper with Wolves.

Jayden Adetiba was also initially included in the party, however, the winger was withdrawn by the club as the games are outside a FIFA window.

The former Arsenal youngster, also 17, recently broke into the U21s and featured in the season’s opening match against Coventry in the Premier League Cup on Friday, and it was felt it was of greater benefit for him to remain behind rather than spend a significant time away.

Born in Dartford, Adetiba moved to Dubai at six months and spent the next eight years living the Emirate.

He won his first U17s caps with the UAE in 2024/25, having previously represented their U16s, and last season played at the U17 World Cup in Qatar.

After spending a year living in Cape Town, he was spotted by the Gunners on the family’s return to the UK in 2018.

Photo: Matchday Images