Report: Arsenal scout Irish youngster

Arsenal's chief scout Steve Rowley was reportedly in attendance to scout Cork City's Brian Lenihan last week.

The 20-year-old is said to have earned numerous plaudits for his performances in the Irish Premier League this term.

That has alerted Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who sent Rowley to watch the full-back in action on Friday night, according to the Evening Echo.

The report adds that Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has also monitored Lenihan's progression over recent months.

Roy Keane, who yesterday was appointed the new assistant manager of Aston Villa, also attended the same fixture as Rowley, which has resulted in further speculation that Villa could also be interested in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international.