Max Dowman is a ‘big talent’ but Arsenal handed impact warning in debut season

Martin O’Neill was impressed by Max Dowman’s Arsenal debut but doubts that he will play a key role this season.

The 15-year-old came off the bench in the Gunners’ win over Leeds on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta handed Dowman a 26-minute cameo during the second half at the Emirates Stadium.

After replacing Noni Madueke, the teenager caught the eye for the home side by winning a penalty for Arsenal.

Viktor Gyokeres converted the spot-kick for their fifth in a comfortable 5-0 victory.

However, O’Neill does not expect Dowman to be a regular in the Arsenal team during the remainder of the campaign.

Reflecting on his performance, the former Aston Villa manager told talkSPORT: “It’s an interesting one. I have some ambivalence about this. It probably depends on the player.

“What I would be concerned about is that, for instance, the young lad (who) came on yesterday.

“He learned the tricks of the trade very, very quickly because he won a penalty by putting his leg in there. So well done, I’m only joking. Obviously a big, big talent. No question about it.

“That old adage I suppose if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. But it’s what happens because the chances are this season, he’s not going to be impactful.

“He’s bringing on a 15-year-old lad when you’re about three or four-nil up or whatever the case may be and he’s going past a few players and you’re all excited by it.

“But I don’t think that he’s going to be playing a major part unless they’ve got a lot of injuries during the course of the season.”

Dowman is already an England Under-17 international as well as being a regular for Arsenal’s Under-18 side.

The youngster has scored 20 goals and provided 10 assists in his 25 appearances for the age group team.

Meanwhile, O’Neill added: “He’s obviously a brilliant, brilliant talent.

“I don’t know enough about him but if he doesn’t get the game-time which he may not do at Arsenal, because Arsenal are pressing strongly this season, then that year, are you going to improve?”

Arsenal are next in action away to Liverpool on Sunday after opening the season with back-to-back wins.

Those consecutive victories leave the Gunners top of the table on goal difference.

Dowman could also feature in the Champions League this term after Arsenal’s second place finish last season.

Arteta’s side will compete in the league phase after qualifying for Europe’s premier competition for the third successive season.

They will discover their opponents when the draw is made on Thursday.

The league phase is scheduled to begin in September, with eight matchdays running through until January.