Aston Villa Academy: Sheffield Wednesday casting eyes over Caolan McBride during trial period
Aston Villa academy player Caolan McBride has been offered the chance of a trial period with Sheffield Wednesday Under-21s.
The Owls are prolific in allowing young talent from across the country to come and try with their youth side, and according to The Star [17 January], Villa have sanctioned his temporary exit from the West Midlands.
The 19-year-old Irishman made his debut for Sheffield Wednesday’s Under-21s side against Coventry City, but it is still unknown how long he will remain at the club.
McBride, a defensive midfielder who has represented Northern Ireland through several age groups, joined Villa in 2020 from Glentoran but hasn’t been able to force his way through the Bodymoor Heath ranks as first predicted.
The youngster is now looking to take the next step in his career after failing to break into the Villa Under-21s team, and with the Owls on the lookout for fresh additions to their youth team, it seems a good move for both parties involved.
After featuring heavily for Villa’s Under-18s in the last two years, McBride has shown himself capable of playing a range of positions, predominantly operating at the base of midfield, but also able to move out on the right-hand side as a winger or even a full-back if needed.
The fact the academy graduate has many strings to his bow may be the decisive factor in Sheffield Wednesday’s decision.
When confirming his move to Villa Park back in 2020, Glentoran Under-20 manager David Lowry described McBride as having the “X-factor” to help any team thrive. [Belfast Live, May 2020]
Bearing this in mind, and considering he became a mainstay of a hugely talented Villa youth side including the likes of Kadan Young and Josh Feeney, it would come as no surprise to see the Hillsborough-based side make a permanent offer for McBride’s services.
In other Aston Villa news, a 17-year-old academy prospect has signed his first professional contract with the club.