Rodrigo Vilca's long-term future with Newcastle United looks in doubt following a loan spell at Doncaster Rovers which proved to be a 'culture shock'.
The Peruvian playmaker netted twice in 13 appearances for the League One outfit, and is reportedly set for a temporary return home with champions Alianza Lima.
Vilca's return from the Keepmoat Stadium came at his own request, and it is ChronicleLive's understanding that the 22-year-old remains keen for a chance to stake his claim for a first-team spot.
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The attacking midfielder agreed a four-year deal at St James' Park in October last year, signing for £225,000 from Deportivo Muncipal following a recommendation to chief scout Steve Nickson.
However, Vilca is yet to make a senior appearance in black-and-white, and a farewell post on social media to Doncaster fans was met with indifference after a forgettable stint at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Season-ticket holder Chris Donald told ChronicleLive: "Honestly, he didn't make enough of an impact for fans to really care either way.
"Rovers fans love a trier - that's all we ask for. This season we've not seen that from any player at all. This added to the horrendous season we've had so far I think fans are glad to see the back of any player that leaves us.
"He wasn't awful compared to others but in terms of what Rovers need right now, he's not it."
Tom Biltcliffe, who covers Rovers for BBC Radio Sheffield, added: "I think it would be fair to say that the cut and thrust of League One was a bit of a culture shock for Vilca."
Vilca's arrival at Doncaster was confirmed on deadline day, with Newcastle understood to be paying the attacking midfielder's wages for the duration of his stay.
A long-term injury for winger Jon Taylor prompted the move, although there were suggestions former Doncaster boss Richie Wellens had never seen the Newcastle prospect play ahead of his arrival.
Vilca made his debut in a humbling 6-0 home defeat to Rotherham United in the EFL Trophy a week later, and would rotate between starts and substitute appearances on both flanks.
It has been a rotten campaign to date for Doncaster who remain rooted to the bottom of the League One table, and the Peruvian attacker failed to show consistency in his displays.
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Donald said: "He was a difficult one to pin down as he was in and out of the side too much.
"I'm not sure whether this was down to injuries or the manager but he never really got going. The glimpses we did see though had some positives.
"He mainly played out wide which, in my opinion, isn't his position. He doesn't have either the strength or pace to beat experienced full backs in England.
"His best performances came when he played in the 10 behind the striker. He has quick feet and can find those pockets of space quite well - this is where his only league goal came from after picking the ball up from a throw in.
"He's definitely a luxury player at our level."
Wellens was dismissed in December after just six months in charge, and Vilca's last appearance in a Rovers' matchday squad came in the goalless draw with Lincoln City on November 20.
This was in part due to a hamstring injury, but it quickly became apparent that the loanee would not feature in new boss Gary McSheffrey's plans.
Vilca's 'standout moment' in a Rovers shirt came with a fine strike in the victory against Cheltenham Town in October, but his stint in Yorkshire was otherwise unremarkable.
Biltcliffe said: "McSheffrey didn’t seem overly keen to retain his services, and feels like he can put his own stamp on the squad and prioritise other areas of the team in the loan market.
"Having not featured since November due to injury, he’s been very much the forgotten man at the Eco-Power Stadium and Rovers fans won’t dwell on his return to the North East."
Reports indicated a return to Peru on loan with Alianza Lima was close at the beginning of January, although neither club have confirmed the deal.
Vilca will celebrate his 23rd birthday in March, and the inevitable question following a disappointing spell with Doncaster is whether the attacker can make the grade at Newcastle.
Asked what Magpies supporters should expect from Vilca, Donald answered: "Not a lot. I'd be very surprised if he was to make an impact at all.
"I'd be happy for him to prove my opinion wrong but he's too lightweight and is neither quick nor strong enough to even contemplate making an impact at Championship level, let alone in the Premier League."
"Overall, I honestly think there's a player in there somewhere, but didn't see enough of him and when we did it didn't show."
It is an assessment shared by Biltcliffe, who admits he would be suprised to ever see Vilca feature for Newcastle's first team.
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He said: "Vilca looks like he needs games, that’s the bottom line. We’re talking about someone who is coming up to the age of 23-years-old in March, rather than a kid.
"If he can’t compete physically in the third tier, then he needs to add a bit of guile to his game.
"I’d be nothing short of staggered if he ever played a game for United’s first team."
