Tottenham Under-21 star Matthew Craig handed opportunity to prove himself with Doncaster Rovers loan switch
Tottenham midfielder Matthew Craig will be conscience of time ticking by as he looks to make an impression on Ange Postecoglou at Hotspur Way.
Craig has risen through the ranks in North London but has struggled to make the final step up to a regular first-team role.
The midfielder, who often operates in a defensive capacity, has made over 50 Premier League 2 appearances, providing six assists in that time.
Before this, Craig was a regular for Spurs’ Under-18s, making 34 appearances at that level and providing four assists.
Although he is already 20 and just three months shy of celebrating his 21st birthday, the Scotland Under-21 international has struggled to crack the first-team picture at Spurs, making just one appearance for the club’s senior side.
It was Ryan Mason who handed the Tottenham youngster his debut, during a dead-rubber match with Leeds United on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
Craig came on for the final 13 minutes of Spurs’ 4-1 win at Elland Road and looked relatively comfortable during his time on the pitch as he completed 83 per cent of his passes, won 100 per cent of his ground duels and made four tackles (Sofascore).
Despite the bright cameo appearance, Craig hasn’t had a look in at Spurs under Postecoglou this season, while a host of his Under-21 teammates have been offered places in the Australian’s matchday squads.
He has played seven of Spurs’ nine Premier League 2 games this season and has now been sent out on loan for a fresh challenge, with the club confirming that he will join up with EFL League Two side Doncaster Rovers for the remainder of the season (Tottenham Hotspur Official Website, 9 January).
It is Craig’s first senior loan, and with a wealth of experience already under his belt at Under-21 level, he will certainly feel ready to make the step up to senior football.
Doncaster Rovers are flirting with relegation to the National League, and Craig has the opportunity to come in and help turn their season around and impress those back at Tottenham.
As he now enters his early twenties, Craig will be desperate to kickstart his career with Spurs, and this loan offers him a golden opportunity to demonstrate what he can do beyond the walls of Hotspur Way.
In other Tottenham news, one Spurs expert has described the club’s most recent signing as a “Fabio Paratici masterclass.”