Ryan McGivern (Leicester)
The young Northern Irish left-back moved to the Walkers Stadium on an initial four-month loan at the end of August. His time there hasn't gone completely to plan, mainly due to the good form of rival left-back and former Swiss international Bruno Berner.
Opinion amongst Foxes fans seems mixed, but most agree that his performance against Sheffield United last week was his most convincing yet, especially when shifted to centre-half, which many suspect is his natural position, after an injury to Jack Hobbs. One describes him as a 'promising, fast, tenacious defender who seems to be improving after a shaky start' but highlights a particular issue with positioning.
Despite a lack of games Ryan has decided to extend his loan period until the end of the season.
Kelvin Etuhu (Cardiff)
An ankle ligament injury during only his fourth game, a 0-1 home defeat by league leaders Newcastle, somewhat derailed Kelvin's season. He then went on to pick up a further ankle problem against Middlesbrough, and spent a couple of weeks back at Carrington having physiotherapy. He's yet to complete a game at the Bluebirds, being subbed during both of his two starts, but impressed during a 0-2 win at West Brom, assisting the opening goal from rival wingman Chris Burke.
A Cardiff supporter highlights 'a good first touch and attitude, strength, close control and speed to burn', but mentions 'the inability to pick out the right pass' and 'an injury record which despite his obvious potential means his wages aren't really being justified'.
Donal McDermott (Chesterfield)
Irish winger Donal spent three months at Saltergate, returning at the end of October. His time there would have to be deemed a success for all, five goals and six assists during his eighteen appearances including winners against Northampton and Grimsby. The Spireites fans really seemed to take him to their hearts.
Kind words aren't short in supply - 'a breath of fresh air, and certain to make it at a higher level', 'a cracking young player who was a pleasure to have, we applauded him out of the ground and would have him back in a shot'. Another supporter describes him simple as 'special' before going on to say how he's 'got the lot; pace, tricks, two good feet, an eye for a pass, can play across the park, can finish'. Many suspect a Championship loan might follow.
A few highlights of his spell can be seen here.
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Nice post. I'd also love to hear about some of the other players out on loan, including players who aren't coming through the academy. Bojinov for example seems to be performing well at Parma and I for one would be interested to find out Mancini's opinion of him as I'm sure he knows his abilities through Serie A (Personally speaking I had hoped his loan was for the sole purpose of getting him back to full fitness).
ReplyDeleteOther players I'm curious about include Shalem Logan and Caicedo who I think has bags of potential but is not yet the finsihed article, As well as Adam Clayton and Clayton McDonald.