Leeds United have a number of young players out on loan this term, with Ryan Edmondson is one of those individuals pining to get first-team minutes under his belt out on loan with a view to making his top flight debut with the club.
This season, Edmondson was sent to the Scottish Premiership with Aberdeen but after just a single appearance, was ruled out for four games with an ankle injury. Since then, he struggled to break into the first team under Derek McInnes and has subsequently been recalled by Leeds after 18 appearances and two goals.
The club hope Edmondson will feature more regularly on the pitch with new loan club Northampton Town. The Cobblers are 19th in League One and battling against the drop back into League Two, but have been swift in adding players this January transfer window.
Northampton boss Keith Curle has spoken to the Northampton Chronicle and Echo about his latest additions, of which Edmondson is one.
"Ryan [is] an all-action player and he won't shy away from the physical side of the game, but he can score goals as well.
"He's got a work ethic and a desire to work. He wants to score goals so he gets himself into the action areas in the middle of the goal but he's also happy to get involved physically so he can be a focal point that we can play through," Curle said.
Despite being just 19 years of age, Edmondson stands at 6ft 2in and has been an effective physical presence in junior games for Leeds United, particularly in the Professional Development League.
There should be few reservations about throwing him into the sometimes rough-and-tumble League One. He fared reasonably well in Scotland, competing in nine aerial duels per 90 for Aberdeen, according to WhoScored.com.
This may explain why he had such a difficult time though, coming on in games where the ball was being pumped up to his chest - it's a difficult task for any player never mind a teenager.
"He knows he will be in direct competition with an opposition player but he wants to run in behind and work defenders and he's a fit player," Curle added on his new striker.
At Northampton he faces competition for a starting place with Harry Smith, another tall forward.
Curle's side have struggled to find the net of late, failing to register a goal in four of their last five League One games, as well as succumbing to some heavy defeats.
It will be a difficult task for Edmondson but one that could reignite his chances of appearing for Leeds in future if he rises to the challenge. Northampton will play football to the teenager's strengths, and if he can arrest their slump in front of goal with some crisp finishes, a run in the side is not outside the realms of possibility.
A reasonable scoring record in League One could prove to be the lifeline Edmondson needs in his Leeds United career if he wants to establish himself in Bielsa's first-team.
