Hodgkiss loan deal is boost for Dons
Published:
ABERDEEN are set to extend Jared Hodgkiss’ loan deal after being given the all-clear by West Brom.
Baggies boss Tony Mowbray has confirmed he will allow the English right-back to stay at Pittodrie beyond the January 13 deadline.
And Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood will now move to secure the 21-year-old for the rest of the season.
Calderwood said: “I spoke to Tony Mowbray and he is open to Jared staying on after his initial loan spell.
“We will now talk to Jared about the possibility of keeping him beyond January.
“Jared is a very good footballer and has done well since coming to Aberdeen, and staying on is a good chance for him.
“The opportunity to play for a club like Aberdeen in front of a large support can only help develop his game.”
Hodgkiss, who has made eight starts for West Brom, is highly-rated at the Premier League outfit and signed a new two-year deal in the summer.
But Mowbray is keen for the right-back to get first team experience in the SPL.
Calderwood also revealed Aberdeen will step up their bid to bring more English youth players in on loan.
“We have not been down to England too much lately to look at players but that will be starting again in the next few weeks,” he said.
“England is a strong market where Aberdeen can find good young talent, like we did last season with Josh Walker and Sone Aluko.
“Gareth Southgate at Middlesbrough was very happy with the progress Walker made, and praised how far he had come on at Pittodrie.
“That gives Aberdeen a good reputation for dealing with young loan players.
“At Birmingham, Alex McLeish decided he did not need Aluko because the Championship is such a big, physical league.
“But thankfully we were able to get him and ideally we can get another few players like that.”
Meanwhile, Aberdeen are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Jamie Smith for Saturday’s home SPL clash with Kilmarnock.
The midfielder missed the 1-1 draw with Hearts with a tight calf.
“We will have to assess how Jamie is over the week,” said Calderwood.
“Hopefully he will be involved against Kilmarnock, although it is too early to say.
“However, if he is still feeling any stiffness we will not take a chance.”
Gary McDonald has returned to training after suffering flu and will be available for the Killie clash.
Readers' Comments
That is good news, as Hodgkiss has played well since he arrived, although i thought he would be staying for the whole season anyway, and if i remember correctly JC said at the time we signed him on loan that if he did well we would be allowed to sign him permantly!Or am i imagining it?
Andrew Mitchell
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Potentially a great player for AFC.Get him for a minimal fee,MOWBRAY says he not big enough for ENGLISH Prem so why only a loan deal.What I`ve seen is that he can hold his own,maybe even similar stature as Mckimmie. Get yer heed screwed on you lot on the board/management team,how many times have you said there are positions that need filled, right back being one.
steven hepburn
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It will only ever be a loan signing - the guy signed a two year deal in the summer and his wages will be well out of our budget. Good to have him to the end of the season though.
Gaz Wright
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