Loan Watch, part 3

Shaleum Logan (Tranmere)
Academy graduate Shaleum impressed as part of the Youth Cup-winning side of a couple of seasons ago. Capable of playing on either flank, he's since spent time at Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Stockport, and joined Tranmere in the summer on a twelve-month deal, then managed by former England winger John Barnes, getting 26 starts to date.

One fan tells of Logan; 'He's great going forward, skillful, quick, isn't afraid to take anyone on. He was a bit sketchy defensively at the start of the season but lately he's really come into his own and improved a lot in his tracking back and overall defensive work'. Another Rovers supporter labels him 'pacey and skillful, he attacks, has a terrific cross, is fit and determined. Could be a hero at a club like ours'.

Further to those, another sums up his spell so far as 'More hit than miss. He's going to be a good player but i'm not convinced he's a right back. He appears more comfortable going forwards than defending. Under Barnes, i think he was being given bad advice and it effected his performances as he was constantly getting caught out of position through being pushed too far forward. Now under Les Parry he stays in position and he's looking a lot more of a better player for it. He seems to be improving as the season goes on and i think he's been one of our better players recently. If he became available I'd have no objections to us signing him permanently'.

Jô (Everton)
The bouffanted waste of space first joined the Goodison club last February, scoring five goals (including a pen and a couple of two-yard tap-ins, but you've got to be there, etc) in twelve games and earning himself the plaudits. His first goal for his loan club, a terrific turn and volley, showcased what he's occasionally capable of. This season he's managed just two goals during twenty-four appearances and is currently suspended having gone AWOL over Christmas.

'The worst first touch i've ever seen, far too lightweight, as slow as an old man in slippers!' is how one Toffee describes the Brazilian, going on to add 'It's a shame, all the natural ability in the world, but just too bone-idle. He looked like a real canny signing at one point, but i think most of us have seen enough. We might as well hang on to him, but nothing will be happening in terms of a permanent deal'.

In truth, most seem as flummoxed with the boy as our own fans, but there is the occasional yaysayer; 'People have given him a ridiculously hard time. He may have not been spectacular, or scored the goals, but he works hard in areas certain other strikers at the club don't, and he's only a young lad. He's never going to be a twenty goals a season forward, but there's a player in there somewhere'.

Joe Hart (Birmingham)
The clamour for Brum loanee Joe to be given his international chance appears to be growing, and his decision to leave the club temporarily is proving the correct one. He's put in some outstanding performances of late, and fair play to him. At present only Chelsea have conceded fewer goals than Birmingham, but the latest word is that their hopes of acquiring him on a permanent basis have been given short shrift.

'Joe's been brilliant for us. When our back-line has been breached (not often this season), he's saved us, you only have to look at the recent Chelsea game to see that. His strengths are his agile shot stopping and movement, whilst the only real question over him is regards his cross collecting, as he has a tendency to punch when he can catch'.

'I would absolutely love him to remain with us, and if he carries on his current form then England can't ignore him, especially considering the precarious goalkeeping situation they have. I believe he would stay since it's looking likely we'll be in the Premier League again next year, and he's playing regularly. I also think Alex McLeish is the perfect man to develop him. So far he's made a bunch of average/inexperienced/unfancied players perform superbly together, and it bodes well for the future'.