Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill makes a good point when he reflects on Callum Marshall’s long-awaited Premier League debut at West Ham United.
Centre-forwards of his age playing first-team football in the most high-profile league in European football are extremely few and far between.
Of the 53 players to feature in up front so far this Premier League season, only four of those are younger than 20-year-old Callum Marshall.
Yet, despite having the proven, penalty-box presence that is Callum Wilson sitting among the substitutes, Nuno Espirito Santo opted for Marshall instead with West Ham United a goal down at London neighbours Arsenal last weekend.
No one could say he doesn’t deserve it.
Despite only taking over from Graham Potter in late-September, Nuno was immediately attracted to the Northern Ireland international’s combination of ‘mobility’, ‘energy’, and ever-improving finishing ability. The West Ham faithful were clamouring for Marshall’s involvement, too, after four goals in three Under-21 matches. They would get their wish.
Now, while the former Linfield starlet is determined to add a first Premier League goal to his first Premier League start, he is also hoping to break his international duck under Michael O’Neill against Slovakia on Friday or Germany on Monday.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill reflects on Callum Marshall’s West Ham United debut
Michael O’Neill, the legendary manager who ended Northern Ireland’s 30-year absence from major tournaments in 2016, is keen to point out that Marshall is walking a path few are capable of following as he looks to establish himself in Nuno’s plans approaching his 21st birthday.
“There’s a lot going on there for a young player to deal with but Callum’s very focused, very driven and trains extremely hard and wants to do well,” O’Neill tells BBC Sport with obvious pride in his voice.
“[He] is impatient, which you expect in young players as well. And I’m delighted. Callum always shows up well in the camp.
“It’s always difficult. If you look around the Premier League, there are not many 20-year-old number nines getting loads of minutes.
“So, it’s a big challenge for him to get that, and it was very positive to see Nuno giving him those minutes so early in his tenure at the club.”
Linfield’s academy manager, Glenn Ferguson, told the Belfast Telegraph this week that West Ham had doubts about Marshall’s first-team potential.
But, two and a half years after he crossed the sea, the Glengormley-born forward now looks extremely well placed to make his mark. Nuno has clearly taken an early liking to him, after all, while neither Fullkrug nor Wilson have offered much in recent appearances to suggest they are the answer to the Hammers’ number nine issues.
More chances should be just around the corner, too.
Marshall thanks Nuno Espirito Santo after Arsenal cameo
As Marshall looks to open his Premier League account against Brentford next time out, Nuno is proving to be the anti-Graham Potter when it comes to giving youth a chance. Freddie Potts, for instance, has played more times under Nuno already than he did under the 51-year-old’s predecessor.
“Coming over from Northern Ireland, this is what I wanted to do. I am happy the new manager has given me my debut and, hopefully, there is more to come,” Marshall, who joined the Hammers back in January 2022 from Linfield, tells the Belfast Telegraph.
“I’m just happy to get on the pitch after being on the bench a few times under David Moyes and then Graham Potter. I am thankful to the gaffer [Nuno]. He hasn’t seen much of me yet but, when I come back from Northern Ireland, I can hopefully show him I can affect games and bring energy.
“It was a hard game to affect on Saturday. I had a headed chance but, if I get on again, I will hopefully become a Premier League goalscorer. I want to come back in against Brentford and score in front of the home fans.
Nuno believes that there will be plenty of chances to take a closer look at those on the fringes of the West Ham first-team, meanwhile, even without European football this season.
“The main reason behind [introducing Marshall at Arsenal] is we are going to need all of them, and we have hope that the young lads will bring new things,” the head coach said.
“What I have been seeing in training sessions, [Marshall has] energy, he is a good finisher, has good mobility, he can realise the gaps in the space. He has a good chance up against a very strong centre-half and he managed to get the header.
“I think we have something we can use. We have three strikers available; [Niclas] Fullkrug, Callum Wilson, and Marshall. Different solutions and different options going forward.”
