Sporting Lisbon midfielder Ryan Gauld is set to have his wish of first team football granted.

The Scotland youth international wanted to go on loan in January, with Huddersfield Town said to be the most likely destination, but his parent club chose to keep him with their B side.

With Sporting now keen to cut costs, the 20-year-old looks to be farmed out on loan in 2016/17, but their preference is for another top flight Portuguese side, rather than a move to England.

Gauld felt his career was suffering by an extended stay in the B side and revealed his desire for first team action.

And current Sporting Director Augusto Inacio has given him a big vote of his confidence about his future potential.

“I spent a year in the B team and was annoyed that I didn’t get more opportunities with the first team," said Inacio.

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“It was frustrating for me and it will be the same for him.

“But he just needs to be patient and give it time — that is what worked for me.

"Ryan is a great talent who needs to develop — and he will.”