With members of our first team and U23s side out on loan in England and across Europe, we thought we’d provide an update on how they are progressing at their respective temporary homes.
Starting our round-up in Sky Bet League One, it has proved to be a productive campaign thus far for HERBIE KANE, who has over 2,500 minutes of football under his belt while with Oxford United.
The midfielder was involved at the weekend as the U’s netted a 95th minute equaliser against Ipswich Town to strengthen their grip on a play-off spot with just eight games remaining.
Kane has five assists to his name under Karl Robinson and has featured 29 times in the league.
Meanwhile, TOMAS KALINAUSKAS has been involved on just two occasions for AFC Wimbledon, both as a substitute against Shrewsbury Town and Bolton Wanderers, respectively.
Dropping down a division where several of our contingency are plying their trade, and we’ll begin with JACK AITCHISON at table-topping Forest Green Rovers.
Following a scintillating run of form, the Nailsworth-based outfit have stumbled somewhat of late and are winless in seven – a period that includes four 1-1 draws and three defeats – which has seen their lead at the summit cut to five points.
Game-time has been aplenty for the Scottish forward, who has 43 appearances to his name in all competitions for FGR where he has chipped in with seven goals and five assists from an attacking midfield position.
Elsewhere in the fourth tier, and GEORGE MILLER has been a mainstay for Walsall as they have gradually clawed their way clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks.
The Saddlers appeared to be fighting for their Football League status at one point but have turned their season around, with the 23-year-old forward playing a prominent role and accumulating over 3,000 minutes of first team action.
Since joining on loan at the end of August, Miller has contributed 11 goals and an assist for Michael Flynn’s side, who are now 14th in the table and 16 points clear of the drop zone.
Also in League Two, LUKE THOMAS hasn’t featured for Bristol Rovers since the end of February as the Gas have embarked on an incredible run of form that has put them in contention of automatic promotion.
The south-west outfit were in mid-table just six weeks ago, but now sit fourth and outside the top three on goal difference only.
In non-league, now, where some of our U23s players are gaining valuable senior football as they continue their development and education.
CAMERON THOMPSON has shown his qualities for Darlington in his brief time there, netting a goal in their 3-1 defeat at York City and also winning a penalty at the weekend against Hereford.
Unfortunately, that resulting spot-kick was missed – not by our energetic young striker – but the Quakers went on to claim a point in the Vanarama National League North.
Staying in that division, and JASON SRAHA has been a regular fixture for Guiseley AFC with seven appearances, and his impressive performances have prompted the Lions to extend his loan until the end of the season.
Our 18-year-old defender will be hoping to help steer the Nethermoor Park outfit clear of relegation when the campaign draws to a close.
Heading to the Northern Premier League, where WILL LANCASTER made a brief cameo appearance for Whitby Town in the last eight minutes of their 2-0 victory over Witton Albion.
The midfielder was an unused substitute at the weekend as the Blues drew 0-0 at home to Buxton, although he had completed 90 minutes for our U23s the day before.
Onto the continent, now, and JOE ACKROYD scored his first professional goal as MFK Vyškov secured a 2-0 victory against FK Varnsdorf.
That was his third appearance while out in the Czech Republic, and the Barnsley-born midfielder has been involved in two wins and a draw during his loan spell.
Finally, PATRICK SCHMIDT hasn’t featured for Esbjerg fB since November, and OBBI OULARÉ is yet to play for Belgian outfit RWD Molenbeek.
