Mipo Odubeko has left West Ham for the remainder of the season after sealing a loan move to League One outfit Doncaster Rovers.
It is Odubeko's second loan of the season after a spell in the Championship with Huddersfield Town that was mutually terminated by both clubs earlier in January.
The Republic of Ireland youth international joined the Hammers after a three-year stint in the Manchester United academy and made his senior West Ham debut last season during the FA Cup clash with Stockport County. He made one further cup appearance last season before it was decided that a loan spell to gain more experience this campaign was best for his progress.
Unfortunately, the move to Huddersfield Town did not work out with Odubeko failing to make an impact in the Championship. The striker made just six appearances during his spell in Yorkshire, seeing only 107 minutes of action and failing to find the back of the net in this limited time.
Despite his lack of on-field success, Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan was glowing in his praise of Odubeko's character.
"First of all, I wish him all the best. He's a good lad and worked hard for me, but the loan was to help him develop because he needed something more than Under-23 football. But sometimes the first part of a loan is the most complicated step," Corberan said.
"I saw a more mature and capable player in the second part of the loan, but we couldn't guarantee him the minutes that he needs. I think he's more ready for senior football and now need minutes to show those skills in a real situation."
Odubeko is looking forward to the move to Doncaster Rovers and the chance to push for regular game time.
"I’m excited for what is ahead, between now and the end of the season I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve," he said.
"I was on loan at Huddersfield and got recalled by West Ham, then this move came up and I was keen to come and get involved. I didn’t get the game time I wanted at Huddersfield but the loan in general helped me massively to develop. I learnt so much in such a short space of time which I was happy about, and I can use that now during my time at Doncaster.
"I spoke to the manager and was really impressed with what he said, that made my mind up for me to come here. He wants me to work hard for the team and he knows what I can do in terms of scoring goals. I’m a good finisher and like to get my shots away quickly, I try to get in behind and stretch the opposition."
Odubeko will hope a drop down the EFL will allow him the opportunity to get regular minutes and a taste of senior action.
Since his return to West Ham, Odubeko has featured three times from the bench and once as a starter for the Under-23s side but was unable to get on the scoresheet.
