Chris Powell says he would have no qualms about pitching Huddersfield Town development squad goalkeeper Lloyd Allinson into first-team action.

And the boss has hinted that when Joe Murphy is back to full fitness after a broken foot, Allinson may well be loaned out to gain experience.

The 21-year-old academy product has been a regular on the bench as back-up to Alex Smithies ever since Murphy was injured during the Sheffield Wednesday derby in November.

Now Allinson, who played for the Under 21s in yesterday’s 2-1 Professional Development League II defeat by Sheffield United at the John Smith’s Stadium, is hoping to retain his place in the squad for Saturday’s lunchtime derby clash with his home-city club Leeds United.

Powell has full faith in Allinson, even though his experience of senior football is limited to two loan spells at non-league Ilkeston.

“I’m quite happy with Lloyd,” said Powell.

“That’s why he’s been on the bench, and I’d have no worries if I needed to call on him at the moment.

“He needs experience of first-team football, and that may happen when Joe Murphy returns.

“We believe we have a good goalkeeper in Lloyd, and he is at that stage where he needs to progress his game.”

Republic of Ireland international Murphy, a close-season signing from Coventry City, is back in training at PPG Canalside.

But Powell explained: “He’s not quite 100% yet.

“Neither Joe nor the physios are completely happy with where he is at, but he’ll keep working away until he is right.”

Town gave a run-out to trialist left-back Anthony O’Donnell yesterday.

The 20-year-old Irishman featured for the first 45 minutes in the Under 21s, with Daniel Carr netting Town’s goal.

Meanwhile, striker Martin Paterson has joined Orlando City on loan.

The 27-year-old has been given clearance by the MLS to sign until the end of his current Town contract (June 30 this year).