Khari Ranson and Jack Porter continue battle for Arsenal U21 goalkeeping berth

Arsenal U21 coach David Horseman has admitted that he is still undecided about who his first-choice goalkeeper will be.

Khari Ranson and Jack Porter have been given opportunities in the early stages of this season and both will be determined to fully establish themselves in the side.

Horseman was impressed with Ranson’s footwork in the U21s’ victory against Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy last night.

Horseman told Arsenal.com: ‘He was terrific, his footwork in his passing at the back was as good as it’s been for him since I’ve been here. 

‘I thought he was outstanding when he took a couple of crosses at the end. It was really positive, and we always focus on the goalscorers but he made some crucial saves.’

Horseman also praised Porter’s display for the U19s against Napoli last week.

He said: ‘Jack [Porter] in Napoli had a really good game as well, so we’re really lucky we have two good goalkeepers. 

‘They’re both competing to be the number one for the U21s, so at the moment they’re getting back-to-back games and then we see the next one.’

Porter made his senior debut for Arsenal almost two years ago at the age of just 16 when he started against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup.

Ranson has also previously been called up to the senior squad and it will be interesting to see who prevails in this battle.

The situation isn’t quite so positive, however, for Lucas Nygaard, who has assumed the position of third-choice goalkeeper for the U21s since returning from his loan spell at Brabrand.

Arsenal U21s return to league action on Friday with an away game against Birmingham.