Southampton’s long history of producing first-teamers from the academy looks set to continue, as they have a new starlet emerging out of Staplewood.
The South Coast club have traditionally given youth a platform to flourish and under Russell Martin, that notion has only amplified.
The former Swansea City boss has awarded Tyler Dibling, 18, and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, 17, minutes from the bench this term and he may well promote another academy player to his squad.
Emerging from Staplewood is Irish midfielder Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh, who joined Southampton in January.
The 18-year-old had been playing senior football for Cork City and was a highly sought-after midfielder prior to penning a deal with The Saints.
Aston Villa, Leeds United and Everton were all keen on adding O’Brien-Whitmarsh to their ranks but ultimately, he signed a contract with the Championship promotion hopefuls running through until 2027.
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh could be the next James Ward-Prowse
The talented teenager has already made five appearances for Southampton in the Premier League 2 and has netted in his last two outings.
The Ireland youth international has surprised coaches with his ‘lightning-quick pace’ and Daily Echo journalist Alfie House believes he has similar traits to former captain James Ward-Prowse.
“In O’Brien-Whitmarsh, Saints have picked up an intelligent, two-footed attacking midfielder with a hunger for scoring and creating,” House wrote.
At Cork City, the 2005-born struck four goals across 27 appearances, which further evinces his ability to sniff out chances and score from midfield.
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh admits he must be patient
With Saints heading into the final 10 games of the Championship season, and automatic promotion very much on the agenda, perhaps a first-team debut may not arrive until next season.
O’Brien-Whitmarsh admits he must remain patient: “It will take time to be ready for a much higher level men’s game but I think I can do it – that is the reason I joined.
“There is a good pathway and they play good football which suits me, I have to be patient and get better but I will work hard to do that.”
The teenager also compared the difference between League of Ireland football and playing in Southampton’s reserves.
“The League of Ireland is a lot more physical, there’s a lot more tackles,” he noted.
“Since I have been playing under-21s I don’t think I have been properly tackled. In Ireland, you’ve got 27 or 28-year-old men hitting you.
“That is going to be a bit different but the ball moves so much quicker here, the game is a lot sharper and a lot more technical and I love that.”
Clearly, Southampton have got a very promising player on their hands, but with all youngsters, they must be managed accordingly.
Development shouldn’t be rushed.