Manager says 20-year-old Arsenal loanee with ‘physicality and energy’ ready to step in, team plays tonight

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Arsenal loanee James Olayinka is ready to step in for Southend ahead of their league fixture tonight, manager Mark Molesley has told reporters.

The 20-year-old Gunners academy midfielder joined the League Two side last week, a loan move until 27 January.

Olayinka spent time on loan at Northampton last season, helping them win promotion to League One via the playoffs.

He is yet to make a first-team appearance for Arsenal but was named on the bench by Mikel Arteta for the Community Shield win over Liverpool.

Although Olayinka missed out on Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Cheltenham, Molesley has now deemed him ready for action, in conversation with the Basildon, Canvey and Southend Echo.

“James had a good pre-season with Arsenal and he was in and around the first team for the start of it,” Molesley said ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Salford.

“He’s been playing some Under-23 games and we had him watched only last week against Crawley when he played 90 minutes.

“He’s ready to step in and we’re looking forward to having that option in this squad.”

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Arsenal very much look as though they’re keeping a close eye on Olayinka as a potential first-team option in the long-term future.

His latest move away on loan will hopefully help the Gunners starlet find out his best position and, if he kicks on, he could give Arteta food for thought next year.

“The good thing about James is he can play a couple of different positions and that’s because of his physicality and energy,” Molesley said when Olayinka signed.

“Coming out of Arsenal he’s going to be technically good but definitely his work ethic, energy and athleticism stuck out to us straight away.

“He does a lot of other things good as well so he’s one we’re excited to be working with.”