TOWN’S current squad are producing enough to maintain the promotion challenge – that’s why Simon Grayson says he allowed Kallum Higginbotham to join Championship Barnsley on loan.
The 22-year-old was signed by previous boss Lee Clark in January – along with Murray Wallace from Falkirk.
But he made just one start under Clark against MK Dons and has figured only as a substitute since Grayson joined the club.
While some fans raised eyebrows at him joining a Championship club when Town are fighting for promotion, Grayson has a recall clause after 28 days and explained his reasoning behind the move.
“With the squad numbers we have it is inevitable some players don’t make the starting line-up or the bench,” he said.
“If results and performances are good, unless you tinker and make lots of changes for every game or routinely rotate, some players might not feature for a few weeks.
“That does not mean they are out of favour, but players want to play – plus it’s not ideal when you are new to a club and want to see what everyone can do.
“I have been pleased with the recent performances of the team and with the current line-up.
“With the strikers doing well it would be hard for Kallum to get an opportunity in the short term.
“He is keen to play first-team football and I want to see him in competitive action, but that must be balanced with winning games and keeping a settled team here.
“We are well stocked for strikers at the club with the likes of Jordan Rhodes, Lee Novak, Alan Lee, Danny Cadamarteri and Kallum, but if that situation changes through injury, suspension or loss of form we have the ability to recall Kallum during the run-in.
“For now, it is beneficial for everyone concerned if Kallum goes and plays football, and it’s fantastic for us that he has that opportunity at such a good standard – we will keep a close eye on him.”
Higginbotham played under Barnsley boss Keith Hill at Rochdale and could make his debut against Peterborough at Oakwell tomorrow.
