Arsene Wenger has urged young goalkeeper Matt Macey to “grab that chance” ahead of a possible first-team debut against Norwich in tonight’s EFL Cup tie.
Macey has been a familiar presence on the Arsenal bench over recent years but has not made the step up to the starting XI since arriving from Bristol Rovers in 2013.
With David Ospina out until after the international break due to a groin problem and Emiliano Martinez on loan at Getafe that could change tonight if Wenger deems it unwise to risk an injury to Petr Cech in a match against Championship opposition.
If Macey does step in to the fray tonight Wenger is convinced the 6ft 5in goalkeeper will rise to the occasion.
In Pictures | Arsenal train before Norwich clash | 23/10/2017
“He has outstanding basic qualities because his size is exceptional, but he’s also very quick for a boy of that size,” said Wenger.
“He’s very, very quick, agile, has worked very hard technically and has improved. He has a fantastic mentality.
“The last step is that you have to grab that chance when you get it. I wish that he’s relaxed enough and strong enough now to deal with that.”
Macey’s sole first-team experience so far in his career has come on loan at Accrington Stanley and Luton, the latter of which was cut short when both Cech and Ospina suffered injuries.
