With the forthcoming season looming large, top notch fixtures, big money signings and transfer rumours linking us with European and World Cup winners, what does the immediate future hold for our young fringe players? In this category I include the likes of Jazz, Daniel Alfei, Lee Lucas, Casey Thomas etc. Jazz did well when called upon, and the others have shown they could each have a big future, but will it be with us? Should we loan them out to league one or Championship sides to gain game time, keep hold of them in case of emergencies which may not help their development or increase their reputations, or conversely hold on to them and hope they learn and develop in the shadow of experienced European players we hope to bring in? The likes of Chelsea (Scott Sinclair, Michael Mancienne) have stifled the careers of promising youngsters, and although we don't equate to their abundance of talent I hope we don't start blocking the paths of our talented youth. I for one feel Jazz will make our 25, and I would love to see the others gain league experience on loan. Thoughts?
There's a seriously tough season ahead, and even though I am an optimist, these guys getting a season in the Championship/League 1 is surely an insurance policy at worst and an investment at best should they shine. We just need to make sure they go to the right type of club (as in the style of play)
Seeing as U21 players can be played without being registered as part of the 25 man squad, I don't expect to see them included there. They'll play some games though - Lucas looks a good prospect, Alfei is possibly a little further along, and Jazz is good backup right now.
