Leeds United have quite a hefty loan army at the moment.

The likes of Robbie Gotts, Jordan Stevens, Bryce Hosannah and Ryan Edmondson have all been sent out to get more first-team experience this term, but one player who you may want to keep an eye on above everyone else is Alfie McCalmont.

The defensive midfielder has been sent out to Oldham Athletic this term, and while things aren’t going too well for the Latics at the moment, the Northern Irishman looks like an absolute gem.

The 20-year-old has already made his senior international debut with Northern Ireland before even getting his first league start for Leeds, and when you listen to Noel Whelan’s comments on him, it’s easy to understand why he was fast-tracked to the international scene.

“A very good player, great on the ball and a good football mind.” Whelan described him as.

“He is one that is learning his trade from watching Kalvin and being in and around that first-team setup.

“It is important that these young lads are integrated. It is vital for their progression and to give them confidence to step in when needed because there will be injuries and suspensions.

“Use them – that is why you have an academy and youth policy.”

Marcelo Bielsa has opted to not heed Whelan’s advice this term, and rather than using him he has sent him out on loan.

Unfortunately, that has come back to bite the Argentine as McCalmont’s mentor, Kalvin Phillips, has been ruled out for six weeks, and having a player like McCalmont ready to come in would have been a huge helping hand.

This could end up being quite a big learning experience for Bielsa and it could work in McCalmont’s favour as next season he could be kept in and around the first-team to act as backup if Phillips picks up another issue, and if he does get a shot, it’s hard to not back him to make an impact.

He sounds like an absolute dream for Bielsa, he’s got the footballing brain to be a star and he’s fantastic on the ball.

It’s impossible to ignore an U23 star who is already making a splash on the international scene, and Leeds should get McCalmont involved in the first-team once he returns from Oldham.