Ethan Laird has already earned warm words from his Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the past.
And the young right-back now has the chance to show what he can do across a whole campaign, after his season-long loan switch to Championship side Swansea City was confirmed.
Big things were expected of Laird when he previously broke into the senior team. He made two senior outings, both in the Europa League in late 2019.
But he has since struggled with various injury issues during his time in the Red Devils ' academy. He spent the second half of last season out on loan at League One side MK Dons, impressing across 25 appearances.
And his latest stint away from Old Trafford will see him reunited with ex-Dons' boss Russell Martin. He impressed in the third tier last time out and will be hoping to now do the same when he makes the step up with the Swans.
Upon handing Laird his chance with the first team back in 2019, Solskjaer said of the now 20-year-old: "He’s a full-back in the mould that we want.
"He’s physical, he’s quick, he’s strong, technical as well driving forward with it.
"So we thought it was the time for him now to get this experience and we believe he can kick on in his career."
Laird will be hoping to make up for lost time with his latest move and is clearly happy to be reunited with Martin.
“I am buzzing, I cannot wait to get started and get out on the pitch,” he told Swansea's website.
“This is a big club, a very big club, and the type of club I want to play for. I played here once before at the stadium when I was 16 (for Man United under-23s) and I really enjoyed it.
“It was exciting to watch the game against Sheffield United, the fans here are intense and I cannot wait to play in front of them.
“I just want to get out there and experience it.
“I also love working with Russell and I just know he can get the best out of me. The big thing about him is trust. When I came in from United, he told me exactly how it was straight away."
Laird could make his Swansea bow at home to Stoke on Tuesday.
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