“The Boy Is A Bit Special” : Neal Eardley

FanCast's resident talent spotter Charlie Gilbert is scouring the lower leagues to find the best young players outside the Premiership who have the chance to make it to the top. This week the focus of attention is Oldham Athletic's Neal Eardley and its clear this boy is a bit special.

You could say Oldham's right back Neal Eardley is a fast learner. Not only has he established himself in the Latics' starting eleven, but he's become a full Wales international too. Not bad for an eighteen year-old.  

Widely regarded as one of Oldham's brightest prospects, Eardley is renowned for his attacking forays into the opposition's half. He's formed an effective partnership with right-winger Andy Liddell, and the pair enjoy an understanding that allows them to get the best out of each other on the field.  

Eardley has exceptional ball skills, and he utilises them to great effect. He's always willing to push up the field and attack opponents at pace – an excellent quality for a player of his position. His distribution is pretty good too; he can use either foot to whip a cross in, and his timing is excellent.  

The defender's season didn't exactly get off to the greatest start – Eardley was sent off in the opening game after kicking the ball at Tranmere's injured player Calvin Zola. After serving a ban for violent conduct, Eardley hasn't looked back. He's become the Latics' first choice right back, and has reportedly won the affections of Liverpool.  

Following in the footsteps of Micah Richards and Fitz Hall, Eardley is a product of Oldham's successful youth system. After making his debut against Scunthorpe United in May 2005, the full back has gone to play over fifty games for the club, scoring two goals along the way. His club are struggling this season – the Latics have lost four of their last six home games and have slipped into the relegation zone. But with Eardley in the side, Oldham will remain hopeful of challenging for the play-offs.  

Manager John Sheridan believes Eardley has real potential, and last week rewarded the player with a new contract that will see him stay at Boundary Park until 2010. Eardley clearly has a mature head on his young shoulders; choosing to ply his trade in League One rather than trying to prove his worth with a Premiership reserve side. His contract will give him time to improve further – and if a Premiership side comes calling, Oldham will be quids in.  

Eardly still has work to do on his game – he's not the best header of the ball and he occasionally gets caught out of position – but he's got time on his side. His stand-out talents are his pace and his passing; two qualities that ensure he rarely gets caught out defensively. His talents have been recognised by his country – the man from Llandudno made his Welsh senior debut in the away victory over Bulgaria in August after being promoted from the U21 squad.  

Neal Eardley is a refreshing breed of right-back. He's always comfortable on the attack, and he uses his football brain to great effect when timing passes. He'll get better with time too – an Oldham will do well to hold on to him.

To find out more of what has been happening in the Championship; TUNE IN and listen to our resident Championship PodJockeys Dave, Chris & Issac for the roundup of the weekend fixtures.