Arsenal allow Nigeria-eligible teenage fullback Josh Ogunnaike to train with first team

NIGERIA-eligible teenage defender Josh Ogunnaike could be set to make his English Premier League debut this weekend as manager Mikel Arteta promoted him to the first team on the eve of the London derby against Fulham tomorrow.

Ogunnaike, 18, is an attack-minded left-back, who has made significant progress this season, playing consistently for the Arsenal development squad. Manager Arteta has been monitoring the youngster who came through Arsenal's Hale End Academy and today allowed him to train with the senior team at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney.

Despite training with Arsenal's first team several times this season, Ogunnaike has yet to be named in an official matchday squad and is hoping to make the cut tonight. With Arsenal's current injury crisis, however, he will be hoping to get his first crack at Premier League action tomorrow at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are in as tight race with Manchester City for this year's Premiere League title but the Gunners are suffering from an injury plague at the moment. Ogunnaike joined the Gunners' Hale End Academy at the age of 13 and is hoping to follow the footsteps of compatriot Alex Iwobi, who went on to become an Arsenal regular.