Manchester United starlet Ethan Laird is expected to make his belated debut for Bournemouth next month.
The 19-year-old had spent the first half of this season on loan in the Championship with Swansea, before the Old Trafford giants sanctioned a January switch to the south coast. Laird had made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Swans.
United had not expected Laird to move on, but the prospect of him playing in a new environment, in a different system and with the chance of winning promotion was too good to turn down.
Bournemouth are currently third in the table, although they do have a game in hand on second-placed Blackburn, with Fulham now five points clear at the top.
It’s been a waiting game for United academy graduate Laird in his personal development, though. Having completed a mid-season switch in early January, the teenager was eligible to play against Yeovil in the FA Cup plus Championship fixtures against Luton Town and Hull City.
Bournemouth manager Scott Parker put that delay down to Laird needing extra time on the training ground.
He said: “They [Laird and James Hill] still need time on the grass and still need time with us.”
Providing an update on that situation, Parker says Laird will not feature against rock-bottom Barnsley on Saturday afternoon, but could finally be handed a first outing against non-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, February 6.
Was this the right move for Laird? Have your say in the comments section below.
Bournemouth will then return to Championship action against Birmingham City three days later.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Parker added: “Ethan Laird is moving in the right direction.
“The weekend is too quick for him. I’m hoping we might see him in the FA Cup or he’ll be available for Birmingham.”
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