Robinson raves over West Ham loan star
West Ham United made it a point in the January transfer window to sort out the futures of their young players, for better or for worse.
There were loan moves for the likes of Nathan Holland and Conor Coventry, and permanent exits for people like Joe Powell and Anthony Scully.
Holland, the first name mentioned, was the player out of those who appeared closest to making a first team breakthrough, so his stint at Oxford United could prove key for him.
He certainly looks to be making the most of it, and he scored his first goal for the U’s in their 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
Former England international Paul Robinson was certainly impressed by what the youngster offered up against the Magpies.
“It was a brilliant finish, it got me out my seat when that one went in, what a finish that was,” he told Football Insider.
“He looks like a natural finisher, natural talent, very direct. Another good player to come through West Ham’s youth system.
“Obviously being very well utilised, put out on loan, get his game time and get some experience. At a club like that, with Karl Robinson in charge, it can only be good for his development working under Karl.”
How valuable will this loan spell be for Holland?
It could be massive for him. As Robinson says, he’s at a good club, working under a quality manager in Robinson, and so he should certainly progress in the months to come.
Holland has massive natural ability, which has shone through in abundance for the Hammers’ Under-23s side.
Tuesday night was the first time it really displayed itself on the senior stage. The game was televised on the BBC, and Holland stepped up on the big stage.
In other West Ham news, a former England international has had his say on a reported breakdown in talks prior to signing Jarrod Bowen.