Highly-regarded Bristol Rovers striker Kieran Phillips has joined National League South side Chippenham Town on loan, the Gas confirmed on Friday.
Ben Garner wants to get his top young talents experience playing in men's football, believing Phillips' stint with the Bluebirds until January will boost his development.
Phillips has been a prolific scorer through the age groups at Rovers, drawing attention from the likes of Chelsea and Southampton in the past, and he made his senior debut for the Pirates on Tuesday against Oxford United in the EFL Trophy.
Following Tuesday's game at the Kassam Stadium, where Phillips won a penalty in a brief cameo, Garner said: "He’s been really unlucky with injuries, really unlucky, so it was great for him to get on the pitch.
"Even in the short period of time on the pitch I think he found it tough physically and the intensity of the game, but he’ll be better for that experience."
The Rovers boss hopes regular minutes in the sixth tier, where – unlike academy football – the game is physical and the three points are the be all and end all, will see the 18-year-old return to the Mem a much more rounded prospect.
He will be playing alongside several former Rovers player at Hardenhuish Park, including Will Puddy, Danny Greenslade, Luke Russe and Chris Zebroski.
Phillips' development XI teammates Tom Mehew and Lucas Tomlinson are also expected to go out on loan next week.
