The on-loan Hull City winger has been crowned the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 Player of the Year.
From his very first game of the season, in Hull’s 1-0 loss to Blackpool, Robbie Brady seemed to take to the Championship like a duck to water.
His progress throughout the campaign has been recognised in his native Ireland with him being presented with an individual accolade earlier this week.
The 20-year-old winger is contracted to Manchester United and this season long loan is his first spell of first team football.
He has scored twice in 27 games and remains a constant threat for the Tigers, who have climbed to ninth in the Championship, two points outside the play-off spots.
With three months still to play there is plenty of football left in Brady’s loan spell yet, but the question should be asked if he is ready to fight for a place at Old Trafford next season.
United’s wing positions are currently occupied by Nani, Young and Valencia, but there is no reason why Brady should not come back, fight for his place and keep the three on their toes.
If a player is ready, then he shouldn’t be held back.
It will be one for Sir Alex Ferguson to consider when he takes the squad for their pre-season tour next year, and sees how Brady compares in training and in games alongside his more established teammates.
A year in the Championship will have done him no harm. David Beckham spent time at Preston, and Tom Cleverley spent a productive season on loan at Watford two season back.
If anything, Cleverley’s treatment gives the biggest indication of what may happen to Brady next season.
After impressing on United’s 2010 summer tour of America, the youngster was sent on loan to Wigan for the season to gain experience playing first team football.
It worked, as did Danny Welbeck’s spell at Sunderland, as both find themselves now first team players.
It stands to reason then that Ferguson may elect to send Brady out on loan to another Premier League side for the season, perhaps Owen Coyle’s Bolton would be a good fit, providing they can retain their status in the division.
Of course Hull have a chance to gain promotion into the Premier League themselves still, and would love the opportunity to keep the winger for an extra season.
There is no guarantee Brady will make it at United, but playing football in the country’s top division next season will give a good indication of his talent and character.
Do you think Brady should be part of United’s squad next season or sent out on loan again?
image: © Paolo Camera
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