He's a '97 at Cody Cropper's club, and he obtained some measure of celebrity as a younger lad by being part of Real Madrid's academy as a tot. He also appears to be eligible for the U.S. by virtue of his father being American-born: Mason, who is eligible to play for America, England or India, added: “My dad was born in the US, my mother is from India, but I want to play for England because I was born here. http://www.lep.co.uk/sport/southampton-star-niall-s-the-real-deal-1-6475608 Snip from the club site: ‘Sanchez’, as he is playfully known, arrived at Southampton in November 2012. Niall is capable of playing in both defence and midfield, but has shown a knack for scoring goals too as he struck twice against Crystal Palace for the Under-16s. A composed passer of the ball, and hard-working both in and out of possession, Mason also lists Real Madrid and Blackburn Rovers as former clubs. His father was also both a player and manager in non-league football. http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/youth/u18-profiles/index.aspx#l5TKzGKAdKtSMG2F.99
His father's a Brit, so it's entirely possible that Niall isn't eligible for US citizenship (and being only a few months shy of 18 means that "expedited naturalization" probably isn't an option). Can't find much on Russell Mason, at least in a way to be sure that's him. I guess we'll have to see. ETA: I did find his dad... in Qatar. Seems to be one of those global wanders.
He has left the club at the end of his scholarship: http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/news/article/20150526-released-list-2469966.aspx
Looks like he'll be joining Guzan at Aston Villa. http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2015...elder-niall-mason-set-for-permanent-aston-vi/
https://www.dreamteamfc.com/c/remem...-galactico-youll-never-guess-where-he-is-now/ I did wonder a little bit about his Madrid history. The story is very interesting, nothing about him being american or anything, but a good read.
Seems to be a regular in the team, and is apparently versatile enough to play three positions (RB, CB, DM).
He is a regular but he hasn't been getting any chat about potentially joining the first team. There are quite a few players ahead of him from the U-21s.
Yes I am sure about that. Just because he made the bench, doesn't mean he is in the first team plans. We have so many players injured so our only midfield options had to come from the U-21s. Lyden is more rated than him.
He has been doing pretty well for the U-21s at center back. He has been playing there a lot this season. He might get a chance next year or at least get sent out on loan.
Loaned to Doncaster Rovers until January. http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk...iall-mason-on-loan-from-aston-villa-1-8054232
BigSoccer alert: Mason has become Doncaster's first-choice left back. He's still eligible for USYNTs through 2020. http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk...clares-business-is-done-for-january-1-8343874 Rovers are currently without an out-and-out left back with Tyler Garratt out on loan, Cedric Evina transfer-listed and Aaron Taylor-Sinclair injured. But Ferguson says he is happy with the options at his disposal. Niall Mason has established himself as Rovers’ first choice for the left back role while Tommy Rowe has filled in on occasion. Rowe has also featured as left wing back when Ferguson has opted for a three man defence. “I’m all right with what I’ve got,” Ferguson said. “I think Mason has been outstanding, he’s gone in there and been outstanding for us.
To clarify, Mason has been Rovers' first-choice left back for quite a while, since mid-November, and got a run of starts at right back before that. And there's nothing to suggest he has played poorly, given that Doncaster are well on their way to League One promotion.
He's only eligible for the USYNT if he's a citizen and it sounds like there's a decent chance that he's the next Danny Potts. Worth investigating further, of course.
NEWS | @niallmason_5 has turned down offers from higher up the football pyramid to join #DRFC on a permanent contract. pic.twitter.com/BSNJSjGHBO— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 8, 2017
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/spo...ews/confirmed-aston-villa-release-10-13180597 Niall Mason leaves Aston Villa to make his move to Doncaster Rovers Permanent.
Starts in League One. TEAM | Here is the Rovers XI for our opening @SkyBetLeagueOne fixture against @TheGillsFC #DRFC pic.twitter.com/v5JvwUhg87— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) August 5, 2017