Loan starlets making some good progress

GEORGE EDMUNDSON . . . has been getting amongst the goals playing for Alfreton Town as well as putting in some impressive performances at the back

PROMISING defender George Edmundson could be back in the first-team mix for Athletic early next year.

The 19-year-old, who performed admirably when thrown into the deep end of a relegation fight last season under John Sheridan, has been starring while out on loan at Vanarama National League North club Alfreton Town.

Highly rated Edmundson scored twice late on with headers to rescue a point Nick Law's side in their recent 2-2 draw with Chorley, proving himself adept when attacking the ball in the opposition box as well as his own.

Kallum Mantack is also gaining useful experience at the Impact Arena Stadium and with Jamie Stott impressing in the same division at Curzon Ashton, manager Stephen Robinson is satisfied that the loan arrangement is working in Athletic's interests as well as the individual players'.

"We didn't envisage them being in the first team in the first few months I was here, so that's why we put them out on loan," said Robinson. "We had to establish a little base to things.

"The three of them are very much part of our plans. George is probably ahead of the other two at this moment in time and somebody we will probably look to get back again at Christmas time.

"He can come back with that experience under his belt and really push for a first-team spot."

Edmundson did not play in Alfreton's 1-1 draw with Newport County in the first round of the FA Cup on Sunday, but Mantack played for 90 minutes - despite showing up late, as he didn't realise the game had an early kick-off.

Stott, meanwhile, played a full part in Curzon Ashton's 1-1 draw at the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, Westfields. His loan has been extended until the end of January, with Edmundson's agreement having another month left to run.

Robinson confirmed that Edmundson, who has only played for Athletic once this term, in the 5-4 home loss to Carlisle in the Checkatrade Trophy, won't be allowed to feature in the FA Cup as long as his parent club remain involved.

"I see him (Edmundson) as someone who will come back and be part of things, so I haven't given him the permission to play," the manager added.

"He has been doing very well. He has been getting the games we wanted him to, as he was only going to play in the Trophy games here - and that wasn't enough for the boy.

"All three have done very well, if I am honest. Kallum is probably still learning the game a bit more than the other two.

"They are young boys who we hope to get into the first team eventually, but they are not quite ready for that yet.

"The loan will definitely help them all, especially George."

Athletic's other youngsters currently out on loan are Lee Knight at Ashton United and Danny Byrnes at Ossett Albion.

Alfreton will travel to Plymouth in the second round of the FA Cup if they get through their replay at Newport, while Curzon Ashton will host Bury or AFC Wimbledon if they beat Westfields.