Newcastle United loanee Kelland Watts pulled off an exceptional goal-line clearance for Wigan Athletic last night. The Latics drew 0-0 with Burton Albion.
Watts’ headed clearance may have ensured that Wigan took a point away from home. The result may have been slightly underwhelming considering where both sides are in the league from a Latics perspective. But the Newcastle man can hold his head high.
After winning a tackle on the edge of the box, Burton chipped the ball over the keeper. Watts was able to run in and head the ball over the bar as it sailed towards the goal. You can see a video of the clip below…
Has Watts done enough to earn a Championship move next season?
After a couple of spells in League One, Watts has certainly done well there. Before this season’s stint at Wigan, the defender was on loan at Plymouth Argyle where he impressed.
The Newcastle loanee is once again doing well with the Latics. They sit top of the table in League One, as they push for promotion to the Championship. They’re four points clear with a game in hand on MK Dons.
Once he returns from his loan spell, Eddie Howe will have to decide what’s next for Watts. The next best choice would be a loan move to the Championship.
Watts has proven he can do it in League One, so why not make the next step up? Perhaps Wigan will want to loan him again should they get promoted. The next couple of years will be very important for his development.
He signed a new deal with Newcastle back in February. It’s hard at the moment to see where he’ll fit in, as the Magpies will be looking to bring in new defenders this summer.
If he is to break into the first-team squad, Watts will need to show he can develop his game over the next couple of seasons. However, a move to the Championship next season feels like the logical next step.
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