"He's got League One quality" - Notts County summer signing tipped for surprise January exit | OneFootball

FLW's Notts County fan pundit believes the club should consider sending defender Lucas Ness out on loan in January.

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

It has been a frustrating start to life at Notts County for defender Lucas Ness since his summer move from Charlton Athletic.

After making 44 appearances during his four-year spell at Charlton, Ness was allowed to depart this summer, and he dropped down a division to join Notts County in League Two.

Addicks manager Nathan Jones described Ness as a "really good pro", but he admitted that the 22-year-old "wanted to go and get games elsewhere" with his minutes likely to be limited at The Valley.

Ness looked to be an exciting signing for Notts, but he has struggled with injury during the early stages of his time at Meadow Lane, and while he has made two appearances in cup competitions since returning to fitness last month, he is yet to make his league debut for the club.

It has been an excellent start to the season for the Magpies, and Stuart Maynard's side currently sit third in the table, so it could be a challenge for Ness to break into the team, particularly with competition for places from the likes of Lewis Macari, Matty Platt, Jacob Bedeau and Rod McDonald.

Notts County fan pundit makes Lucas Ness claim

When asked which player he believes would benefit most from a loan move in January, FLW's Notts County fan pundit Thomas Wagstaff said a temporary exit could be beneficial for Ness to build up his fitness, and he insisted that the defender can still become a key player for the Magpies in the future.

"I'd probably say give a loan move to Lucas Ness, who we signed on a free transfer," Thomas said.

"He's played League One football and is just starting to become a really good player, but he's been out of action for a long, long time.

"He's a centre-back, and I think he's here for a long-term project.

"If we do get promoted, whether this season, next season or the season after if he's still here, he's got League One quality, so we need him to be as good as possible and also as cover in case we get any injuries.

"I think if he was loaned to the National League, he would be the best defensive player by quite some way.

"He should get a loan move to bring him back to full fitness for when we need him."

Stuart Maynard facing Lucas Ness dilemma in January

There is certainly logic in the idea of sending Ness out on loan in January to help him get back up to speed after his injury.

Notts conceded an alarming 86 league goals last season, but they have been much tighter at the back this time around, and much of that increased solidity has been down to the back three of Macari, Platt and Bedeau, as well as goalkeeper Alex Bass.

It will be tough for Ness to displace any of Macari, Platt or Bedeau, but with Ness and McDonald both having spells on the sidelines this season, Maynard has seen how quickly his centre-back options can be depleted, and he may be reluctant to sanction any departures in January.

As Thomas says, Ness has proven himself at League One level with Charlton, so there is no doubt he is a useful asset for the Magpies to have in their squad, and if he remains at Meadow Lane, he should get an opportunity at some point over the course of the campaign.