Loan Watch, part 2

Adam Clayton (Carlisle)
Tigerish midfielder Adam joined Carlisle, allegedly on the recommendation of Craig Bellamy, on a short-term loan at the start of November where he's started ten of a possible twelve games, scoring once. The England under-20 international is due to return on the 10th of January, but is expected to sign a further deal at Brunton Park until the end of the season.

A supporter of the Cumbrian side says he 'covers a lot of ground, has a great engine, always looking to surge forward but never forgets his defensive duties either'. He goes on to mention 'he's occasionally a bit shot shy, needs to be more selfish at times, but we're more than happy with our midfield options at present; him, Tom Taiwo, and Graham Kavanagh'. On the future; 'we would be happy for him to stay until the end of the season, but a lot will depend on finances, and whether your new manager wants a look at him'.

Valeri Bojinov (Parma)
One of the youngest players to ever feature in Serie A, making his debut for Lecce aged just fifteen in 2002, Valeri returned to his adopted homeland in the summer, joining Francesco Guidolin's promoted Parma. Since then he's scored four times during twelve appearances, none more welcome than the opener during a flu-hit 2-0 victory over Bari (goal here). The Gialloblu currently sit only three points off second place.

Again, comments are pretty positive, if highlighting the obvious fitness concerns. One fan tells 'He's doing very well when he plays, but obviously injuries restrict what he can do. He's a complete striker; strong, quick, good in the air, great shooting ability, he's proven a good addition'. Another adds 'We have good players, but Bojinov is the only champion, a player capable of winning games on his own', and finally 'The only problem is his injury record, if he can stay fit he could be one of the best strikers in Europe, but there are big question marks. We would love him to stay'.

Felipe Caicedo (Sporting)
The Ecuadorian has struggled to win a starting place in Portugal so far this season after joining Sporting Lisbon on a season-long deal. Now bossed by former international Sa Pinto, Sporting sit fifth in their division, already well off joint leaders Sporting Braga and Benfica. 'Big Fel' is yet to score, and the side in general are lacking firepower. Word is his loan club are looking to end his deal early, but even if that's not the case the €10m it would reportedly take to make his move permanent seems extremely fanciful.

A Sporting fan describes him as 'A player who can't make the most of his major assets; his height and strength. Add to that he's slow and a poor finisher. He's currently fourth choice behind Liedson, Djalo & Postiga, so that tells you that the move hasn't been a successful one'. On a slightly more positive note another noted 'Sometimes players are simply not suited to some leagues. At Benfica, Keirrison is struggling, but he's a great prospect. From seeing Caicedo last season for City i know he can be a good player, just maybe not here'.

Finally, and another level-headed response; 'The fans haven't really taken to him, but i feel he could be useful once he gets off the mark, though he needs more games. Definitely lacks confidence. It's hard to criticise such a young player when there's so much wrong at the club at present. Our whole squad lacks motivation and so it would be unfair to judge the move a success or failure just yet'.