Why so few U21 players coming through?

From several other recent threads, it's good to see interest in the U21 prospects - even though many fans bemoan the lack of new talent coming through.

There are several factors, not least that in the past 7-8 years we've somehow got used to expecting a new " starlet " to break into the first team with success.

We all know the list by now.. First Walcott and then Bale. Lallana established himself in the side, then came Surman and Dyer (sold in the battle to maintain liquidity during the 2009 bankruptcy) then, Alex O-C....Shaw and Chambers....and the fact is that....had these players still been at SMS.....we'd have a great side.

Of course, " economics " won the day and in the end, it was our loss (on the pitch) when they finally moved on.....to richer pastures.

So who's next?...WAIT !....the reality is that not every season automatically produces another Gareth Bale or Luke Shaw...... as so it is just now.

Most likely prospects; Turnbull, Stephens and McCarthy are already out on loan getting valuable experience, albeit at a lower level but still way above U21.

Those of us who watch the video clips of U18/U21 games on YouTube are used to the up-and-coming names, but it's also obvious that many of the " next generation " are still quite young, and not Prem. class material -YET.

The U18 side (that lost at Fulham yesterday) contained names like Slattery, Willard and Wilkin who have already had game time at U21 level this season.

One of the key factors in the lack of new young faces on the the bench is ..the Fixture list.

Whilst the fledgling U18's have played 16 games so far this season, the U21 side has played ..just 7 and had only one fixture since the end of September.

The immediate future isn't much better. One game on Monday, but only two more ....before Janaury 11th 2016.

There are (apparantly) several reasons governing this (won't go into here), but it's no wonder that these lads aren't given the chance even to show off their talents at their own level - let alone be considered for a first team place. They (and we) will need to be patient... a while longer.