'They're the future of Udinese' — Irish teen Abankwah hailed after first start against Juventus

Longford native James Abankwah, captain of Ireland’s Under-19 team, had only made one brief substitute appearance against Bologna before being thrown in for a start against the European giants in Sunday’s final series of games.

Juventus Federico Chiesa is challenged by Irish teen James Abankwah of Udinese during the Serie A match. Pic: Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

Andrea Sottil has suggested that he’ll be building his Udinese team around gems like James Abankwah after the Irish teen defender made a solid impression during his first Serie A start on Sunday against Juventus.

Udinese splashed out €600,000 to recruit the then 18-year-old from St Patrick’s Athletic last year and the first-team coach indicated the investment strategy was designed with next season in mind.