Ambitious Afobe sets his sights on first-team + Loanees- Traore v Senderos

Arsenal striker Benik Afobe may only be 15 but he is already setting his sights on a first-team berth. The Dagenham-born striker is in action for England u-16s tonight in the Victory Shield decider at Lincoln’s Sincil Bank, and rose to prominence after scoring 40 goals for Arsenal u-16s last season.

This campaign has seen him step up to the u-18s, and Benik scored on his debut against Fulham. He is not yet a regular in Steve Bould’s side but, he is already looking beyond that, and said

“I’m hoping to get a game with the first team in the New Year.”

Maybe he could be accused of being over-ambitious but for now Benik will be hoping to break Michael Owen’s record of four goals in the Victory Shield. Benik is currently on three following strikes against Ireland and Wales, and a brace would see him overtake the Newcastle striker in the record books.

Yesterday’s UEFA Cup meeting between Portsmouth and Ac Milan at Fratton Park was a real reunion of former Gunners stars and current Arsenal loanees.

The hosts included Kanu in their starting line-up, whilst Armand Traore, who is spending the season on the South Coast, also found himself restored to the starting XI. For Milan, former Gunners midfielder Mathieu Flamini started in midfield, whilst Philippe Senderos made only his second appearance for the Rossoneri at centre-back.

The game was an enthralling contest with Pompey urged on by their terrific fans. Tony Adams’ side gained a two-goal lead after strikes from Younes Kaboul and the aforementioned Kanu, but Milan struck back thanks to a superb Ronaldinho free-kick and a late equaliser from Filippo Inzaghi.