Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his admiration for the maturity and focus demonstrated by Northern Ireland international Ceadach O’Neill.

The 18-year-old, who made his international debut in June, has been part of the Gunners’ pre-season preparations, participating in friendlies against Girona and Real Betis this month.

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O’Neill, a former Linfield winger, also scored in a behind-closed-doors match against MK Dons.

“I’ve been really impressed with him,” Arteta told BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Kane following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat by Betis in Dublin.

“For his age, he’s really mature, really focused, and he has tremendous quality.

“He’s a player that we have big hopes with and we just need to develop him in the right way.”

After scoring 18 goals in 30 games for Arsenal’s academy, O’Neill earned a call-up to the Northern Ireland squad even before making his senior appearance for the Premier League champions.

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He made his international debut off the bench for Michael O’Neill’s side in June’s friendly against Guinea and then played again against France four days later. He feels these experiences have been beneficial as he heads into pre-season.

O’Neill, who remains eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland, mentioned he hopes to be involved again with Northern Ireland during their Nations League campaign starting away to Georgia next month, but he is focused on his club career for now.

“At the minute I’m just going to take it day by day, keep coming in and giving it my best. That’s all I can do,” he said.

“I’ve been talking to Michael recently, but I have to keep pushing at club level and we’ll see what happens.

“I’m just trying to concentrate at club level, and I think that’s all I can do. I’m really enjoying what I’m doing and where I’m at.”