Keeper Gabe Breeze is now back with the Blues with his one-month loan spell at Widnes now at its conclusion and, as has been seen in recent weeks, it puts him back with the first-team group for training, match days and reserve fixtures.
“He’s actually been back with us since Widnes brought an older keeper in a few weeks ago, and he’s been comfortable with that,” manager Paul Simpson said. “He’s a confident lad, this hasn’t gone his way in terms of pitch-time, but it’s a good experience.
“You’ll have seen he was with us on Tuesday, to be around the first-team on a match day, and he’ll be used in bounce games and county competitions as and when we feel that’s right.
“If we can find a loan move that suits, he’ll go, because I want him playing. That’s where he’ll really learn.”
“Being out on the pitch in competitive men’s football is the ideal, but we’ll keep him involved here as well so that he continues to develop and grow,” he added. “It’s one of those positions on the pitch where everyone wants experience, particularly if it’s a team taking someone on loan, but for a young keeper like Gabe it’s a catch-22 because it’s getting that experience that can be difficult.
“Going out on loan doesn’t guarantee football, as we see a lot across the game. Players young or old have to earn their place.
“All we can do is try to pick the right place for them to go that gives them the best chance of playing regularly, so that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
