Drinkwater Set To Extend Loan

Last updated : 25 December 2011 By Rob Miles (BarnsleyBoy)

Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater is set to extend his loan at Oakwell to the end of the season after recovering from a torn thigh muscle.

The 21 year old had enjoyed a successful four month stint with The Reds before suffering his injury in the 5-3 home defeat to Ipswich on the 10th December. The club though kept him on the books and that now looks like proving a masterstroke with the former England Under 19 international set to be fit for the New Year clashes with Leeds and Doncaster. And that now looks set to put the wheels in motion for Drinkwater to remain at Barnsley until the end of the season. Manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"We're very hopeful, but we won't bag it until it's signed, sealed and delivered. He's happy, he's playing, he's educating himself,"

"It's important for him to play, to improve, to get experience for the next phase of his career and I don't think there's any better place for him to do that."

One player who will be returning to his parent club however is striker Nile Ranger. The 20 year old joined on loan from Newcastle United on the 18th November, initially until the 14th January, but that has had to be cut short after just five appearances due to a niggling ankle injury.