ROSS BARKLEY’S development will benefit hugely from his loan spell at Leeds United, insists David Moyes.
The highly-rated midfielder has joined the Championship side for an initial one-month stint, after failing to break into the first team since returning from another loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday.
Barkley enjoyed a successful two-month spell at Hillsborough, playing 13 times and scoring four goals, but Moyes wants the talented teenager to get more playing experience away from the Premier League.
Neil Warnock’s Leeds side are currently just outside the play-off places and have a local derby against Barnsley today.
Moyes said: “When we brought Ross back from Sheffield Wednesday, I said that if he wasn’t getting enough games then I would put him back out on loan.
“He’s trained with us for a couple of months since he has been back but I want to keep his development going.
“He’s joining a really good club, a club that plays in front of big gates and he will get a chance to play in big matches.
“If you play for Leeds, every game is a big game. That’s important for Ross. We send him out for a month and if we require him between now and the end of the season we are able to get him back.”
Barkley, 19, has made two substitute appearances for Everton this season, the most recent of which was in the December 28 defeat to Chelsea.
Warnock added: “I’m absolutely delighted to get Ross and I’d like to welcome him to the club. He had four other clubs after him so I’m delighted he’s come to us.
“I’ve wanted to sign him for a long time now, I remember watching him when he played for Everton against QPR in the Premier League.
“He’s got a great attitude and I have no doubt that he will end up a top player.
“The deal works well for both parties as he will gain experience here and he is a great addition to our squad.”
