Rising West Ham stars Patrick Kelly and Callum Marshall are set to continue their development under Northern Ireland managers following loan moves.
Midfielder Kelly has joined Grant McCann’s Doncaster Rovers on loan, while it’s being reported that striker Marshall is about to link up with Michael Duff’s Huddersfield Town.
The FA Youth Cup winning duo can now gain vital first team action to build on their progress in London.
Marshall, who has four senior Northern Ireland caps, had a loan spell at West Brom but returned to the Hammers after failing to make many appearances.
Terriers boss Duff is a big admirer of the 19-year-old and believes the League One side would benefit from a young frontman hungry to impress.
Northern Ireland Under-21 ace and former Coleraine youngster Kelly is raring to go at McCann’s League Two side Rovers.
Callum Marshall is set to kick the new season off on loan at Huddersfield Town
“I’ve been looking to get out on loan for a while now and I think that I’ve found the right club so I’m really happy to be here,” Kelly said.
“The gaffer spoke with me and my agent while I was out in America with West Ham last week and everything he said was appealing to me about the style of play and where he sees me playing.
“There was the club as a whole and just a lot of reasons why I chose Doncaster.”
Former Northern Ireland midfielder McCann said: “We’re delighted to get PK. He’s a lad we’ve watched a lot of, and we had to wait patiently as he’s been with the West Ham first team all of pre-season.
“He’s capable of playing in the six or eight in our midfield — very much in the mould of Matty Craig. He’s flourished at Under-21 level with Northern Ireland and has been drafted into training camps with the senior team.
“What we like is that he’s excellent on the ball and an all-action type that can jump and press and recover with ease. He can also beat people which is very important for us.
“He’s been a part of a very successful West Ham youth set up and will add some serious competition to our midfield.
“Huge thanks to Mark Noble, Steve Potts and Kenny Brown for trusting us in PK’s development.”