Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill backs youngsters Clark and Collins to be loan stars
Apr 30 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail
ASTON Villa manager Martin O’Neill has tipped Ciaran Clark and James Collins to follow Barry Bannan’s example and become loan rangers from the club’s triumphant reserves.
Bannan has been on loan with Derby since March and Nigel Clough is hoping to agree another deal next season.
(Live web chat today at 1pm with Aston Villa writer Bill Howell - www.birminghammail.net/live)
Clough said: “He will go back to Villa because they want to keep him but he is one we would certainly look at trying to get back for next season for a loan spell. He is a great lad to work with and most importantly he is a good player.”
Central defender Clark, 19, was an unused substitute at Bolton last weekend and is captain of the England under-19s.
Striker Collins, 18, has been prolific for the Acedemy this season and also scored goals for the reserves.
Both may soon be catapulted into the senior ranks.
O’Neill said: “We will have a look at the young players like Clark and Collins.
“We will see how they are next season.
“As you can see with Bannan, I have no problem in loaning players out to real sensible clubs who might look after them and improve them.
“One or two, I am hoping, will be knocking on the door more quickly than others.
