Dylan Stephenson is reportedly set to leave Newcastle United on loan in the coming days.
That is according to the Daily Record, who claim that the 20-year-old is set to join Scottish Championship side Hamilton Academical on a temporary deal.
The report states that Hamilton are confident of completing the signing and that the striker is keen on the switch. However, a hamstring injury is holding up the move being completed.
But it looks like a loan to Scotland beckons for Stephenson, as he prepares to become the second Toon player to cross the border this month.
Dylan Stephenson to follow in Garang Kuol’s footsteps and head to Scotland on loan
Earlier in January, Garang Kuol joined Hearts on loan for the rest of the season. Now Stephenson is following the Aussie to Scotland, but will be playing in the second tier.
Hamilton are not having a great season. They are currently bottom of the Scottish Championship after 21 games.
Stephenson will link up with another Toon player at New Douglas Park. Lucas De Bolle joined Hamilton on loan at the start of the season, and has made five league appearances for the Accies.
While he is not joining the strongest side, it should prove to be an excellent experience for Stephenson. He needs to get more first-team minutes under his belt, having never been out on loan before.
We did see Stephenson in friendly action during the World Cup break. He scored his first senior goal for the Magpies in the win over Al-Hilal, and received praise from manager Eddie Howe, who described Stephenson as ‘hard working‘.
Now the hard work looks set to continue in South Lanarkshire, as Stephenson looks to make his mark at senior level.
He has scored goals for fun for Newcastle’s youth sides, but the second tier of Scottish football will present Stephenson with a different task. Here’s hoping he rises to it, and returns to St James’ Park in the summer as a better player.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
