With Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all chasing the signature of Palace youngster Kian Flanagan, Matt Woosnam gives an insight into the talented teenager’s history.

After joining Palace in 2013 for £37,000, Flanagan progressed through the lower age groups before moving into the U16 side this season, where he impressed greatly under Richard Shaw’s watchful eye. 

There was a statement of intent from Ken Gillard towards the end of the season as he thrust the 15-year-old into the U18 side, and he was not left disappointed as the midfielder impressed in his cameo appearances.

The midfielder was a surprise inclusion on the bench for Palace’s U21 side in their 5-2 victory over Charlton Athletic last week, and was introduced late on, only for the referee to blow for full time seconds after he stepped onto the pitch.

But he was given the chance to impress on Wednesday after U21 manager Gary Issott substituted Reise Allassani for him with 15 minutes remaining. 

It was almost a fairytale start for Flanagan who, playing in behind the striker, looked to find space and was eager to get on the ball.

Indeed, he found himself with a chance to score soon after, but his shot was smothered by the legs of the Colchester goalkeeper. 

However, there was another chance for the youngster to etch his name into the memory of watching scouts and spectators, as Christian Scales cut the ball back to him, only to fire narrowly wide.

Nonetheless, his undoubted talent was clear to see. As clear as any of the older players on the pitch.

The small section of supporters watching buzzed with excitement each time this young midfielder found himself with the ball, or threatening in a promising position, and understandably so. There was a buzz around the name.

The last 15-year-old to make an impact from midfield was John Bostock, but his career fell apart at the seams after a move to Tottenham at 16. 

Should Flanagan remain at the club, it is likely he will play a significant part in the U18 side next season, but also there are plans afoot to integrate him into the U21 side, no doubt affording him a considerable amount of game time if he continues to impress. 

That is something that cannot be guaranteed at bigger clubs such as Manchester United, where Wilfried Zaha proved it can be a difficult path for a young player to take. 

At Palace, he will have a path to the first team, with a stable team, more investment in facilities, a more long-term plan with Alan Pardew at the helm, and ultimately more future first team opportunities than under previous managers.

But most of all, Palace supporters appreciate it when one of their own comes through. While Flanagan was signed from Southend, by the time any possible first team role came about, he will have spent more time in the Palace academy.

It is fair to say that Eagles supporters are always proud of their academy players, particularly when they break into the first team. 

There is, of course, no guarantee that this particular youngster will be the next big thing, but for now the signs are promising, and playing above his age at Palace is perhaps more beneficial than moving elsewhere where he no longer stands out from the crowd.