THERE is ‘every chance’ that we could see a Premier League showdown between Islanders Luke Harris and Marlon Fossey in the future.
That is according to Fulham’s head scout, Malcolm Elias, who took both youngsters across to the London club from Jersey.
Fossey’s path to stardom has been plagued by injury but he is now getting a run of first-team football at Belgian side Standard Liège – and has been tipped for a return to England.
Elias said: ‘I really feel for Marlon.
‘He was days away from making a probable Premier League debut for Fulham [in 2018], but injury struck and ultimately he ended up on loan at Shrewsbury Town.
‘Then after a great spell with Bolton, again he had to battle back through injury before heading to Standard Liège.
‘I have heard murmurs from Belgium as to how important a player he has been for them and many think he will end up back in England before too long.’
Meanwhile, Harris is patiently waiting for his first Premier League start and senior Wales debut, after impressing for Fulham U21s and enjoying minutes off the bench for the first team.
The Welshman scored both goals in the U21s’ 2-2 draw against Leicester in Premier League 2 on Friday night, just days after his nation handed him the famed number 11 shirt for their latest round of Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The goals brought the midfielder’s U21 season tally up to nine goals from just 12 matches.
‘Jersey players has always seemed to fit into Fulham’s academy programme seamlessly,’ Elias added.
‘Both Marlon and Luke brought with them a willingness to learn and a determined mentality to improve and overcome.
‘Luke has had to be really patient, but we need to remember that he is only 18 years old.
‘His time will come and, until then, I know he will continue to keep his head down and work hard, whether that be for the first team, or the U21s.’
