These Arsenal youngsters have earned chance to force first team role as they prepare for Qarabag audition

When Arsenal take to the field against Qarabag on Thursday it will be a special moment for Ken Gillard, a man who will have played as significant a role as any in preparing Unai Emery’s side for their Europa League assignment.

With the visit of the Azerbaijani champions no more than a dead rubber for Arsenal, who are already assured of first place in Group E, Emery is set to name a clutch of academy prospects in his side to supplement the likes of club captain Laurent Koscielny.

The highly-rated Bukayo Saka could start in place of the injured Emile Smith Rowe whilst Zech Medley, Tyreece John-Jules and Charlie Gilmour are all expected to be in Emery’s squad.

Under-18s assistant coach Gillard, who has stepped up to the top job since Kwame Ampadu left to join Thierry Henry at Monaco, aided all of those youngsters on their path to the first team and is convinced his young players have earned their shot at a higher level.

"The most important thing is we’re moving them onto levels above,” Gillard told Standard Sport. “That’s our job, to push them onto the first team. If they come back to us then brilliant but if they stay with the first team then even better.

“It’s fantastic for the boys. They’re great kids. They’re working hard. The manager [Emery] is working hard. The club is in a good place at the moment.

“There’s a lot of hard work that is undertaken by everyone behind the scenes – from the boss to my lads.

“It’s great to see them come on and enjoy the occasion and see them go through.”

In the absence of many of the squad who reached last season’s FA Youth Cup Final Arsenal made heavy work of their third round tie against Northampton Town, a 2-0 victory not secured until Zak Swanson’s miscued cross looped over Bradley Lashley in the 75th minute.

The dangerous Folarin Balogun had given Arsenal the lead just before the interval but the Cobblers had numerous chances to wrestle their way back into the tie.

“It was a very tough game,” Gillard said. “Northampton were a really good side, really well organised. We did well at times but we could have done better.

“Northampton showed character against us. They’re tough to break down. We had to be patient. Ultimately we got the victory and that’s the main thing on a night like this.

“Fol Balogun took his goal well. That’s what he does well. He’s scored a lot of goals for us. He’s a threat for us with his pace.”