Arsenal youth team boss Steve Bould has backed some of his youngsters to make an impact in the Gunners first team next term.

Bould guided his team to the Academy league-Youth Cup double last season and has seen firsthand what some of his squad members are capable of.

"We won't know how good they can be until they're thrown in the first team," Bould told the club's official website.

"But they've certainly got talent - there's lots and lots of talent here. Whether they've got the character you never know until you throw them in at the deep end but we hope that's the next stage for them.

"It's probably not realistic to expect four or five players to break into the first team on a regular basis. It's difficult but there's no reason why one, two or three can't go on.

"Kieran Gibbs is in there at the moment so anything over and above one or two players is a massive bonus and that's what we're striving for because it's a world-class level."