The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has claimed that exciting Aston Villa youth prospect Cameron Archer could possibly feature in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
Archer impressed onlookers earlier this week as he netted a hat-trick in Villa’s comprehensive 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over League Two outfit Barrow.
Villa sealed their place in the third round of the competition in fine style, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of Archer, who had a dream full debut for the club as the Villans comprehensively swept aside their lower-league opponents.
While discussing the striker’s performance on Aston Villa podcast 1874, Evans suggested Archer’s form could see him shoot into the frame for the side’s Premier League fixtures over the next couple of weeks.
Evans explained his thinking, saying: “Going back to Archer, I think that he’s got a chance now, with Wesley not available, with [Ollie] Watkins injured, with [Bertrand] Traore and [Leon] Bailey still out.
“He might get a place on the bench [in the Premier League] in the next couple of weeks. And what a great achievement that’ll be for him.”
TIF thoughts on Cameron Archer and Aston Villa…
Archer spent last season out on loan, where he played 27 times for Solihull Moors, scoring four goals (as per Transfermarkt).
The attacking options of Ollie Watkins, Keinan Davis, Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore are all doubts for the upcoming league game against Brentford this weekend.
And with highly-rated fellow academy graduate and striker Louie Barry on loan at Ipswich Town this season, the door is now open for Archer to potentially take his chance.
Following his midweek treble on what was his first senior start for Aston Villa, Archer could be one to keep an eye out for in the near future. Only time will tell if Dean Smith decides to give him a chance on the big stage.