Newcastle United defender Liam Gibson has joined forces with Accrington Stanley until the end of the season, the club has confirmed.
The Magpies confirmed the news via their official Twitter account and website, and the 21-year-old will link-up with fellow Newcastle loanee Dan Barlaser at the League One outfit, who currently sit in 13th place.
The 6tf 1in youngster made his first-team debut back in 2016 in a friendly win over Lillestrom, and he could be set to make his debut for his new club this Saturday when they face Bristol Rovers.
Newcastle United defender Liam Gibson has joined @ASFCofficial on loan until the end of the season. Good luck, Liam!
👉🏽 https://t.co/vL5083hPC0 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/tTqkE90CbE
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 10, 2019
OPINION
Gibson may have made his first team bow in 2016, but since then, he has been hardly nowhere to be seen. However, that does not underestimate the talent that he has. The left-back has helped the under-23s reach the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy this term, and the fact he has joined Accrington Stanley on loan will only do dividends to his development. Young players need experience and game time in a first team, and becoming a League One player for the rest of the season is the perfect way to do that. He has the potential to be a future star in the making for Newcastle – but being loaned out is pivotal. Gibson may cover the much-needed left-back position, but that does not instantly mean that he should be included in the first team. The defender still has a lot of improving to do and still has a long way to go before he will even be considered to play in the first team in a competitive fixture.
