Plymouth Argyle manager Wayne Rooney has raised concerns over Saxon Earley’s loan spell at Lincoln City, suggesting the 22-year-old defender might be recalled if his game time does not increase.
Earley, who was loaned out to Lincoln City for the season, has so far only played twice for the Imps, both appearances coming in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy. His debut saw him come on as a second-half substitute in a narrow 1-0 loss to Chesterfield. His second, and most recent, performance was a solid display in a 2-1 victory against Grimsby Town earlier this month. However, his exclusion from the squad in the subsequent 3-1 defeat to Birmingham City, despite no injury reports, has raised eyebrows.
Rooney Highlights Fitness Concerns
Rooney addressed the situation in a recent interview, hinting that Earley’s lack of game time may be down to a recurring back issue. “We asked a couple of times actually and he had a back injury,” Rooney explained. “Hopefully he gets that right and gets playing because obviously the reason you send players out on loan is to play. If he doesn’t get more game time it’s something maybe we have to look at.”
While Rooney’s comments suggest the injury may be a factor, it is clear that the underlying issue is the player’s lack of competitive minutes. Earley was sent on loan with the expectation of more regular football after struggling to secure a starting spot at Plymouth Argyle last season due to ankle injuries. His move to Lincoln was meant to help him regain match sharpness and consistency, but the crowded competition in Lincoln’s squad seems to be hampering his progress.
Competition for Places at Lincoln City
Earley faces stiff competition at Lincoln, particularly in the left-wing-back position, where Erik Ring and Dom Jefferies are currently vying for the starting spot. Additionally, Reeco Hackett and Dylan Duffy, who is nearing a return from injury, may also be ahead of Earley in the pecking order. Even if Earley were to be considered for a left centre-back role, it’s likely he would still be behind Sean Roughan and possibly even Lewis Montsma.
With such depth in Lincoln’s defensive ranks, Earley’s opportunities for first-team action are limited, making his loan spell so far more about providing cover rather than gaining regular minutes. Rooney’s suggestion of a potential recall reflects his dissatisfaction with this arrangement, as the purpose of the loan was to ensure the young defender plays more regularly.
Time for a Recall?
Rooney is right to be concerned. Sending a player out on loan is all about development, and if Earley isn’t getting enough game time, Plymouth Argyle must consider bringing him back. While injuries can complicate things, Rooney’s comments indicate a level of frustration with the lack of updates on Earley’s fitness and match-readiness. It’s the responsibility of both clubs to ensure communication is smooth and that the loan is mutually beneficial.
The reality is that if Earley continues to sit on the bench, his development will stall. Plymouth may need to explore alternative loan options or keep him in their squad to provide valuable cover as the season progresses. Either way, Rooney’s remarks should serve as a wake-up call for Lincoln City, and a decision on Earley’s future could come sooner rather than later.
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