Aston Villa told to green light Cameron Archer transfer after new development – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Aston Villa must “do the right thing” and let Cameron Archer continue his development out on loan if he isn’t going to play meaningful minutes this season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested keeping the 20-year-old on the bench will not be “beneficial” for the England Under-21 striker.
Archer has made just four substitute appearances for a total of 26 minutes of action this season, with Steven Gerrard instead preferring experienced options Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.
The striker went out on loan to Championship side Preston North End in the second half of last season, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances.
Archer earned a fresh five-year deal in August after impressing both in the second tier and for England’s Under-21 side over the summer.
Whelan suggested the young forward can only continue his development with regular minutes at the first-team level.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s not getting a game at the moment.
“Gerrard thought he wanted to keep him around, but he’s not getting the game time he needs.
“Development can only be development if you’re playing first-team football. If you can’t break into the side then you’ve got to go somewhere to keep your rhythm and progression going.
“If Gerrard doesn’t think he’s ready to play good minutes then he’s got to do the right thing.
“Get him out on loan and scoring goals, and help him finish the season strongly again.
“It’s very difficult. You want to hoard good players just in case, but it’s not beneficial for this young man. He needs to be playing football.”
In other news, Gabby Agbonlahor hits back after Watkins reveal at Aston Villa.