• Premier League

Rodgers defends McEachran loan

ESPN staff
March 29, 2012
Josh McEachran has featured only a handful of times for Swansea since joining on loan from Chelsea in January © Getty Images
Enlarge

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers says Josh McEachran's loan at the Liberty Stadium has been a worthwhile experience for the youngster, despite a perceived lack of first-team football.

McEachran, recently turned 19, joined Swansea from the Blues for the remainder of the season in January, with the aim of gaining valuable Premier League experience as he continues his development.

The Chelsea youth product has started just two games for Rodgers since arriving, one in the FA Cup and one in the league, with a handful of substitute appearances supplementing that tally.

Rodgers, feeling the need to highlight the wider benefits of McEachran's time at the Welsh club, said: "The loan move was more than just games for Josh. It was also about experiencing a new team, city and lifestyle.

"He was 18 when he came and it's been great for his development. He admitted he was behind with his conditioning.

"He has fitted in quite easily and he respects how well the other players have been doing so it's been very difficult. The balance in the midfield has been very good."

Regardless of how much more time on the pitch McEachran sees for the Swans, Rodgers believes his spell will have added something to the midfielder's progress as a professional.

"Every player wants game-time but that can't happen for everyone. But when he returns to Chelsea he will be better for his experience here," said the Northern Irishman.

"It doesn't matter whether it is games or lifestyle, he will be a better player and person for that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices