Young trio commit futures to Arsenal

Arsenal Football Club has today secured the future of three of its
bright young prospects.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie has agreed a new long-term contract while two other
teenagers, Matthew Connolly and Kerrea Gilbert, have signed as
professionals.

The most familiar of trio will be Quincy. The pacy Dutch striker, 19,
featured in all four of the main competitions for the first-team last
season and scored a superb goal in the Carling Cup victory over Everton.
Recently he was representing his country at the World Youth Championships.

Connolly, 17, is a tall, assured centre half who benefited from Steve
Bould’s coaching in the youth set-up. Last year he featured in 11 games
for the Reserves, 14 for the Under-18s and three in the FA Youth Cup.

Kerrea (pronounced Kerry) Gilbert, 18, can operate at right back or centre
half and figured for England Under-18s at the start of June. He had a very
busy season with 20 Reserve appearances plus a further 14 in the Under-18s
and three in the FA Youth Cup.

Arsenal hopes all three go on to great success at the Club.

[ Friday, July 01, 2005]