THE younger brother of Oxford United defender James Golding made his debut for Chelsea yesterday.

Michael Golding, a 17-year-old midfielder, replaced Argentina’s World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez in the 89th minute of the Blues’ 4-0 win at home to Preston North End in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.

There was even time for the youngster to almost grab himself a debut goal in stoppage time, however he was denied from close range by Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

Golding has previously captained the England Under-16 side, and helped them win the Val de Marne tournament last year.

He also skippered England at the Under-17 European Championship last summer.

READ ALSO: Oxford United waiting for ‘domino effect’ in transfer window

His older brother, 19, has played eight times for the U’s, having made his professional debut back in October 2021.

United’s Golding has also enjoyed productive loan spells at Banbury United, helping the Puritans to promotion to Vanarama National League North in 2022, while he played 10 games for Maidenhead United in the National League earlier this season.

The brothers both emerged through the academy system at AFC Wimbledon, before being snapped up by their current clubs.