Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has backed Ryan Edmondson to leave the club again in the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old's return to Elland Road from Aberdeen was confirmed on Sunday evening following the expiration of his loan spell with the Scottish side.
However, Whelan believes the teenager's spell back with the Whites will be short-lived and the next step in his development is a loan spell to the Championship or EFL.
He argues that Edmondson has gone beyond the U23 set-up and needs football at a higher level to benefit his career.
“I think of a player of his age and that progression, he’s gone past the under-23s now. You’ve served your time, you’ve done your bit in the under-23s, that’s not going to push you any further forward in your career," he told Football Insider.
“What is happening now, he’s pushed himself further forward, he’s getting that experience at the top level with proper matches against proper opposition, with the pressure there as well.
“You’ve got to be able to handle the pressure, it’s not like under-23s, there is a bit of pressure but not like when you’re playing and there’s points at stake for a real game on a Saturday or a Wednesday night. This will do him the world of good.
“The good thing is he’s got himself in the picture where other teams are wanting him. That is the main part of it that he’s done his job, people have been impressed by him.
“Now it’s the next stage, do you come down to maybe Championship level, and really push yourself here? If he really wants to be back home and really test himself, the Championship is where he really needs to be.“
