With the January transfer window deadline passing, Aston Villa were certainly busy on the final day of the forced media frenzy and with a number of our Under 23 youngsters heading out late on in the window, February provided them the opportunity of making their respective debuts for their new clubs.
With head coach Dean Smith clearly looking to the future with so many heading out to boost their development, here’s how they are getting on so far.
—–
Lads already out.
Mitch Clark capped an impressive pre-season with the first team and our Under 23s by bagging a loan out to Port Vale. The 19-year-old Welshman has hit the ground running at Vale Park and has 33 starting appearances to his name so far and by all accounts, he’s been very impressive across those matches. He also has one substitute showing to his name.
Aaron Tshibola renewed his acquaintance with Steve Clarke up at Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock after a semi-successful spell in the second half of the 2017/18 campaign. He made his second bow for them in the clash against Aberdeen and he now has 18 starting appearances to his name, with a return of one goal and four further showings from the substitutes bench.
Gary Gardner made the switch across the City to join up with brother Craig at Birmingham City. He has now made 31 starting appearances for them, returning one goal. He also has a substitute showing.
Ross McCormack again headed out to Australia for a season-long loan with Central Coast Marriners. The 32-year-old had five league starts to his name, with only one goal returned. Having headed back in January following the cancellation of that spell, he moved north of the border back to former club Motherwell in early January. He has one start to his name, with three showings from the bench so far.
Ritchie de Laet also headed out to Australia for the year, joining up with Melbourne City. He has 19 league appearances to his name and six goals.
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy went out earlier in January to Cambridge United. He has five starting appearances, with a further two substitute showings to his name.
New lads added to the list were.
James Bree – Ipswich Town. The 21-year-old now has five starting appearances to his name.
Callum O’Hare – Carlisle United. 20-year-old O’Hare has four appearances to his name so far.
Corey Blackett-Taylor – Walsall. He’s made three substitute appearances for the Sadlers so far.
Jake Doyle-Hayes – Cambridge United. JDH has made one start and one substitute appearance.
Scott Hogan – Sheffield United. The 26-year-old has only featured once for Chris Wilder, but did grab himself an assist on his debut.
Harry McKirdy – Newport County. Two substitute showings so far, the last two games for them, so he’s in their thoughts now.
Deadline day capture Frederic Guilbert did sign permanent terms with us, but was instantly loaned back to former club Caen until the summer. He’s played in five games since doing the deal.
