“Learned More Than Ever” - Highly Rated Villa Youngster On Successful Loan Spell

With plenty of change at Aston Villa since the arrival of our new owners and head coach Dean Smith in particular, there’s been a more ruthless approach to our youth setup with it clear that our new management staff are demanding more from our production line and one player to benefit from that was highly rated Callum O’Hare.

The 21-year-old headed out to Carlisle United in the second half of the year as we looked to get some proper experience into the Academy graduate and he did well, impressing plenty in his 16 appearances as he returned three goals.

With some first team experience to his name with us, O’Hare was one of the younger lads taken over the US as Smith casts a closer eye over his development and the player himself did a bumper interview with the Official Site this week and clearly he enjoyed his time out playing senior football.

“I’ve learned more than ever in 2019 thanks to the loan spell with Carlisle. It proved to be a really valuable experience. I feel like I’ve improved as a player massively. It was great to get a lot of game time and chip in with goals and assists.”

“It was the most valuable lesson of my career to date.”

We check in with @CalOhare after his return from a successful loan period last term 👉 https://t.co/WhnzgDlFdN #AVFC pic.twitter.com/EsOrLLju0V

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 15, 2019

The aim of course will be to impress himself on Smith’s plans for the Premier League season ahead.

“It’s an exciting time here. I’ve really enjoyed the first three days of the tour and always feel I learn a lot under Dean Smith technically, he’s helped me develop a lot since he’s arrived. It’s also great to share the pitch with some of our new signings, who have already impressed and will help us massively this season. For me, it’s now my aim to keep doing my best and see where it can get me.”

Given how we’ve strengthened, whether he gets that chance is open for debate but reacting to his interview plenty felt a loan for the campaign where he stepped up to the Championship level would do his further development the world of good.

Would flourish at a championship team on loan.

— Callum (@_Callumgordon) July 15, 2019

Great to see you back mate

— Terry Spencer (@TerrySpencer1) July 15, 2019

Callum needs a contract extension and a chance to shine in the PL. If not then another loan spell in the Championship with a decent footballing team to showcase his talents. Looking forward to seeing him play in the 1st XI soon. UTV

— Villainofthepiste (@Villainofthepi1) July 15, 2019

????

— Josh ⚽️ (@josh__avfc) July 15, 2019

All the best for the season ahead, Callum. I know a chap at Carlisle who loved your football and was desperate for your return. He knows you're heading for a successful career.

— Bernard Martin (@berneboy60) July 15, 2019

Carlisle would definitely have him back and Harry McKirdy made that point!