A first loan spell can always prove to be a daunting experience.
Having been in a first-class academy set-up for many years, the realisation of entering the world outside, moving out of a comfort zone, can always be difficult.
But for our 19-year-old midfielder Elliot Embleton, those assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.
Entering Grimsby Town’s first-team squad earlier this season, Embleton came into a losing side battling for their lives at the foot of the Sky Bet League Two table.
While he scored on his second appearance for the Mariners, the youngster had to wait until October before he won his first match away at Carlisle United.
That has since ignited an upturn in form from Michael Jolley’s side, with England youth international, Embleton, producing a string of five-star showings as he took his goal tally to four before the start of the festive fixtures.
Since then, Embleton has extended his spell at Blundell Park ‘til the end of the season, with Sunderland boss Jack Ross admitting he wants the Durham-born player to return with 30 or 40 senior appearances under his belt.
Speaking to safc.com, Embleton shared his delight after committing to the Mariners for the remainder of the campaign, admitting the pressure and adrenaline rush you get from the senior set-up is one he is thriving on.
“Yes, I’m very happy with my progress in the team,” he said.
“I’ve started 18 games now and got four goals. I’m pleased but obviously I would like to get more goals.
“I’m sure that will come, though. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Grimsby so far and I’ve managed to build a little relationship with the fans.
“It’s very good because it gets your confidence up knowing they are backing you.”
He continued: “They are brilliant fans both home and away and fortunately we’ve been able to repay them with a good winning run recently.
“To stay for the rest of the season was obviously a tough decision, but it gives me more chances to show everyone what I can do and gain more experience ready for next season.”
