Arsenal announced on Friday that Dan Crowley would be joining Barnsley on loan until January.
The 17-year-old midfielder, who is highly rated at the Emirates, signed his first professional contract last year.
Good luck to Dan Crowley, who has joined Barnsley on loan until January. Full story: http://t.co/8Oy3EJZzlg pic.twitter.com/4sC1cFyUQj
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 31, 2015
Barnsley boss Lee Johnson was enthusiastic about the chance to have the player at his club.
Dan has genuine, top-level skill and quality. I am delighted Arsenal have chosen Barnsley to aid the development of this exceptional talent, as well as aiding us in our pursuit of promotion.
Crowley, born in Coventry, qualifies for Ireland and has played for the Boys in Green at underage level. However, he switched allegiance to England in 2013.
Still, playing for Ireland in the future is something which he has not ruled out.
He told the Hackney Gazzette last year:
I don’t really know – I’m going to see what happens. My grandparents are Irish. I played for Ireland and when I was Under-16 I went for trials with England and got in. I’m still young and I’d never rule anything out because you just don’t know what’s round the corner.
Also, speaking to Balls.ie last year, Crowley's former GAA coach told us that he believes the midfielder is 'Irish at heart' and will pull on the green jersey once again.
Of course I believe it will happen, unless soccer politics get involved. He has played for England and Ireland so far, I think the appearances for England upped his profile over here.
He is Irish at heart and supports the Irish team.
