Michael Skubala has revealed that conversations are ongoing with loan players currently within the Imps squad.
We have four loan players, Justin Obikwu, Frankie Okornkwo, Dexter Lembikisa and Fin Barbrook. The latter pair haven’t played many games for the Imps, with Dexter signing a six-month loan, and Fin continuing to appear for Ipswich Under 21s.
Michael Skubala has said we do have good relationships with the parent clubs, and their loan deals are not all about game time.
“We have really good relationships with them,” he said on Imps+, when asked about the parent clubs. ”
“Even though, of course, some of the players on loan want to play more and their parent clubs want to play more, just like we’d send Osin out and we’d want him to play more. That’s just a natural thing in football.”
Of course, nobody can guarantee first team football to loan players. MJ Kamara is a classic example, on loan in the NIFL with Glentoran, but unable to get a game. The same applies to our loan players, as Michael explained.
“But the reality of that doesn’t always happen. We’ve been really happy with those lads, Dexter, Fin, and Frankie. They’ve been fantastic. They’ve integrated the group well. They’ve trained very well. Their parent clubs are happy because we’ve improved them and keep coaching them. We care about them like they’re our own.”
Our head coach concluded by explaining what might drive any future decisions, with the tantalising mention of oncomings. The transfer window opens in just over a month’s time, with the Imps expecting to be active.
“That’s not to say that anything’s going to happen there. There are lots of discussions that need to go on with coaching, with parent clubs. There are lots of discussions that need to go on with maybe incomings, but we’re in a strong place.
Dexter Lembikisa is on loan from Wolves and has made three appearances, two in the league as a sub, while Fin Barbrook has appeared three times, all in the EFL Trophy.
Franjie Okoronkwo has appeared 17 times, scoring twice, while Justin Obikwu, on loan from Championship pace-setters Coventry City, has three league goals, despite starting just twice.