Five Young Guns Who Are Starting To Really Turn Heads

There are still plenty of players lighting up the divisions that will no doubt go on to bigger and even better things.

And, if we narrow that down, there are young players in particular that are catching the eye this season in the National League, National League North and National League South.

We’re going to take a look at five players aged 23 and under who are playing a key role in their side.

Goals, clean sheets, progression and international recognition – that’s what we’re judging these stars on.

Four of these five players have been named in Paul Fairclough’s England C squad or contingency squad as they prepare to face Wales on March 20th.

Let’s take a look at the five we’ve picked out…

Tommy Wright – Sutton United

It’s fair to say that the 21-year-old has made quite the impact this season, scoring 11 times – that’s prompted Football League clubs to take an interest.

He spent last season on loan at Salisbury, scoring an absolute hat-full (over 50!).

Sutton recently tied their highly-rated striker down to a new contract and they’ll be hoping he continues to aid them in their promotion push.

Wright has been named in the England C contingency squad.

Fejiri Okenabirhie – Dagenham & Redbridge

22-year-old Okenabirhie has netted an impressive nine goals for the Daggers this season and that’s earnt him another England C call-up.

The winger also spent over a month on the side lines as he recovered from injury. He’s certainly been one of John Still’s star men.

Four goals in his last three games have helped Dagenham pick up two crucial victories as they look to regain momentum.

Sam Ling – Leyton Orient

The right-back has received plenty of praise in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the 21-year-old.

After establishing himself as a regular at Dagenham & Redbridge, Ling returned to former club Leyton Orient in February.

He’s another man to be named in Fairclough’s England C squad after making 31 National League appearances, scoring three times.

Fraser Horsfall – Kidderminster Harriers

After initially joining on loan, centre back Horsfall made his move from Huddersfield Town to Kidderminster permanent in December.

The talented 21-year-old has made 22 appearances in the National League North this season and continues to stand out as John Eustace’s men look to secure a play-off spot.

Not only has he chipped in with a couple of goals of late and been part of a team that’s kept 10 clean sheets, but he’s also on standby for England C.

Sam Merson – St. Albans City

Flying the flag for the National League South is 22-year-old Merson- His 15 goals have helped push St. Albans into the play-off spots and he’ll want to continue his fine form.

The striker stands out for one game in particular after he struck four times in the 7-2 rout over East Thurrock.