Traore could make Pompey debut against Man.United on Monday

Frenchman Armand Traore joined Portsmouth on a season-long loan yesterday evening and could be thrown straight in the deep end in the Premier League clash with Manchester United on Monday night at Fratton Park.

Facing United would bring back some unhappy memories for Traore, who had a difficult time in the FA Cup defeat at Old Trafford last season. However, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has revealed that he isn’t afraid to start the former Monaco man on Monday.

I would have no qualms about putting Traore in on Monday at all . I wouldn’t hesitate to put him in.

He has trained with us and I brought him here to play. The kid is a terrific player.

Traore’s chances of featuring have been boosted by the news that Niko Kranjcar picked up an ankle injury whilst on international duty which means that Armand could operate on the left-wing against the Champions.

Redknapp also revealed that Portsmouth weren’t the only ones who came knocking once alerted that the Frenchman was made available for a loan spell.

There were six Premier League clubs yesterday morning trying to get the boy and they all went in for him.

I think in the end, Arsene left it to the lad’s decision and he wanted to come here, so I’m delighted to have him.
Quotes from SkySports.com

You can follow Armand’s progress at Portsmouth throughout the season on Arsenal Youth.

Arsenal U18 v Everton U18- Match preview

Logo copyright of the Premier League

Arsenal under-18s kick off their new Premier Academy League campaign tomorrow determined to go the whole way and be crowned Champions in May. For the last two seasons, Steve Bould’s impressive youngsters have topped their Academy Group, but have faltered at the semi-final stage and are determined to progress further this time around.

The likes of Rui Fonte, Gavin Hoyte, Paul Rodgers, Abu Ogogo, Kieran Gibbs and Rene Steer as well as goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny are all now 18 or over and therefore inelligible. However, Premier Academy League rules state that teams are allowed to field up to three under-19 outfielders and one under-19 goalkeeper per match.

This is unlikely to be exploited by Steve Bould and his staff however as they look to bring a new group of youngsters through. There are four remaining second year scholars who will be vying for their first professional contracts (Ayling, Eastmond, Blackwood and Shea) whilst several young pros are still eligible (Cruise, Thomas, Murphy, Sunu, Bartley, Watt, Rasmussen, Coquelin and Lansbury. Add in the new scholars (Evina, Obed, Nicholas, Deacon, Henderson, Byles, Frimpong and Freeman) plus promising schoolboys such as Afobe and Banton and you can see some healthy competition emerging.

There is a new Academy goalkeeping coach too in Tony Roberts, whilst Steve Gatting will continue to coach the u-16s.

The season kicks off tomorrow at London Colney against Everton and the build-up to the game has been soured somewhat by the unfortunate news that Head of Youth Development and Academy manager Liam Brady is in hospital.

On the playing side of things, Conor Henderson could be rested after his international exploits with Ireland u-19s, whilst James Shea is expected to start in goal.

Predicted team: Shea; Blackwood, Bartley, Ayling, Cruise; Rasmussen, Frimpong, Eastmond, Watt; Murphy, Freeman.

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 11am at a full match report will be available right here on Arsenal Youth.

International watch: Three selected for England u-19s, Ramsey called up to Wales senior squad

Gavin Hoyte, Henri Lansbury, Rhys Murphy- England U19 v Netherlands U19

Arsenal trio Gavin Hoyte, Henri Lansbury and Rhys Murphy have been called up to represent England U19’s in a friendly against Netherlands U19’s, scheduled to take place on Tuesday 9th Spetember at Shrewsbury’s ProStar stadium. For Henri and Rhys who missed a lot of last season through injury, it’s a welcome return to the international scene whilst Hoyte will also be out to impress. The Netherlands fixture is the final warm-up game before qualification for the 2009 UEFA u-19 Championships commences. England will face Albania, Northern Ireland and Serbia in the first round of qualifiers which are due to take place in October.

In other international news, Arsenal duo Conor Henderson and Rui Fonte were both in action last night as Ireland and Portugal u-19s rounded off their Four Nations campaigns with contrasting fortunes. Read on for more on both matches…

Aaron Ramsey- Wales- World Cup 2010 Qualification

Summer acquisition Aaron is amongst nine players eligible for the Wales u-21 side who have been drafted into the senior squad for the forthcoming World Cup 2010 qualifiers. Ramsey represented his national side at u-21 level and could win his first Welsh cap during qualification.

Conor Henderson- Rep.Of Ireland U19 0 Spain U19 2

Conor played the whole 90 minutes as Ireland lost 2-0 to eventual Four Nations champions Spain. Henderson occupied a central-midfield role alongside Conor Clifford and had a lot of possession early on without really creating any opportunities. Mario Gasper gave Spain the lead 12 minutes in with a 25 yard effort. Falque doubled the lead with a tap-in in the second half to secure the win. The result condemned Ireland to their third defeat in the tournament, but Henderson can take heart from his performances.

Rui Fonte- Portugal U19 1 Ukraine U19 0

After his goalscoring exploits against Ireland, Rui found himself on the bench for Portugal’s final game of the tournament, against Ukraine. Nuno Reis won the game for Portugal with a goal on 13 minutes, whilst Rui emerged from the bench in the 63rd minute, replacing Nelson Oliviera.