Whelan issues Cameron Archer claim after Aston Villa deal agreed
Noel Whelan has suggested Cameron Archer will have received assurances of substantial game time after pledging his future to Aston Villa.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed regular involvement in the Premier League will “do the world of good” for the 20-year-old hot-shot.
Aston Villa confirmed last week (5 August) that Archer has signed a new contract that runs until 2028.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (11 August) that Archer will not be leaving Villa Park before the window shuts after multiple loan offers were rejected.
It is understood that manager Steven Gerrard believes the England Under-21 international has a key role to play in the coming months.
When asked if Archer’s new deal will have likely included assurances of game time this term, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Absolutely, or else he’d be pushing for a loan in order to get some experience.
“He’s obviously had a good chat with Gerrard, and the club have put faith in him by giving him a new contract on bigger money.
“It’s gonna do the world of good for his confidence and his progression if he is to be involved regularly in the Premier League.
“The fact that he’s got the manager’s backing – that says everything about what Gerrard thinks of him.
“It’s an exciting time for him and he’ll be absolutely raring to go to make that striker spot his.”
Archer scored seven times in 20 games on loan at Preston North End in the second half of last term.
He has also notched four goals in four games for England’s Under-21 side.
In other news, pundit claims summer signing may be facing Aston Villa axe amid “shock” development.