Hartlepool United are eyeing up a potential loan move for Leeds United midfielder Stuart McKinstry, reports Hartlepool Mail.
The 19-year-old is currently a part of Leeds United’s U23s set-up but made his first-team debut against Fulham in the League Cup last season, where McKinstry scored the winning penalty to ensure Leeds United progressed in the competition.
After a number of impressive performances for the U23s in the EFL Trophy, the former Motherwell midfielder made his Premier League debut against giants Tottenham Hotspur last November.
McKinstry made eight top flight appearances in total last season and was called up by his home nation Scotland to represent them at youth level.
The 19-year-old initially gained interest from clubs of the calibre of Coventry City and Stoke City who both made inquiries for possible loan deals last January but nothing came to fruition.
It was a relatively mediocre campaign for the Pools last season, finishing in the lower half of the table after a four year absence from the Football League.
With quite a large squad with a wealth of lower league experience, Hartlepool United may benefit from a number of loan signings from top flight clubs to bolster their options and give youngsters some much-needed experience at a competitive level.
What does McKinstry have to offer?
McKinstry proved himself to be a versatile player last season, playing in a wider position as well the standard central midfield role. McKinstry is a hard-working youngster who has already gained experience and game-time at Premier League level, with a loan move to a club such as Hartlepool United surely helping to further his development.
With a year left on his contract, the Scottish midfielder may be determined to prove himself to be a reliable player on a more regular basis to secure a new deal with Leeds United or a permanent move to a different club where he is more likely to get game-time.
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch is currently lacking strength and depth in midfield, possibly keeping a close eye on McKinstry to then recall him in January to utilise his skills in the first-team.
