Sheffield United have continued their fine trend of producing players for the international stage after 17-year-old academy product, Oliver Arblaster, was called up to the England under-18s.
Arblaster was officially included in the Young Lions squad for the upcoming triple header against Holland, Belgium, and Portugal in the coming week.
The teenager midfielder is currently impressing out on loan with Bradford PA. He is one of a number of young Blades out trying to get regular football at the moment. The likes of Femi Seriki, Zak Brunt, and Kacper Lopata among the others out on loan.
Of course, unless you watch every single academy game, there’s little to go on in terms of what United have on their hands in Oliver Arblaster. But academy head, Jack Lester, took to Twitter to congratulate the youngster and gave a small hint into what Blades fans can expect.
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Sheffield United are renowned for producing young players in recent years gone by. The likes of Kyle Walker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Phil Jagielka, among the names to do well.
Arblaster, then, will hope this can be the start of a successful progression through the England ranks.
Our View: Ollie Arblaster one of so many meaning United have a bright future
We all know that every player won’t make it. It’s just how football is and always will be. Some will do well. Some will fall by the wayside or move onto pastures new.
But Oliver Arblaster being called up is another positive. We got glimpses at Seriki and Jebbison last season, and there are high hopes for that duo. Likewise, Brunt and Lopata, who are doing well at Southend.
Iliman Ndiaye has been excellent since bursting into the first XI. Players like Frankie Maguire and Antwoine Hackford have also had a sniff of the first-team.
So, while things might be miserable at the moment, United can at least look forward to a bright future.